• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.63-72
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• 2017

Background: The purpose of this case study was to investigate into the effect of complex exercise program on the postural change, gait and balance ability in elementary school students with forward head posture. Methods: Four patients with forward head posture were recruited. They were evaluated pre-treatment, and after 6weeks, using neck disability index (NDI), numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), balance ability, foot pressure (fore foot/rear foot peak pressure ratio, F/R ratio), gait ability (cadence, toe out angle, stance phase). Results: First, the angle of forward head posture (craniovertebral angle; CVA and cranialrotation angle; CRA) was decreased in all subjects. The NPRS and NDI were decreased in all subjects. Also, The cadence, toe out angle and F/R ratio were increased in all subjects. The stance phase of gait cycle was positively change in all subjects. Lastly, the static balance ability improved in all subjects. Conclusion: According to the results above, the complex exercise program for students with forward head posture can help improve the postural change, gait and balance ability. Also, the complex exercise program was able to select interventions depending on the patient's condition and the desired goal.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.89-96
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• 2023

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of the underwater Ai-Chi exercise on the joint range of motion, balance and posture. METHODS: Thirty-six college students (30 men, 6 women) were divided into a 'low physical activity' groups (Group I). and an 'appropriate physical activity' groups (Group II). The Ai-Chi underwater exercise was conducted three times a week for two weeks for both groups. A goniometer was used to measure the range of motion of the hip joint, and Y-Balance and the posture screen mobile were used to measure the stability of the lower extremities. RESULTS: An evaluation of the range of motion of the hip joint before and after the Ai-Chi exercise showed significant results in the low physical activity group. However, the flexural range showed a significant increase after exercise, but not significant result. In the comparison of the mean increase between groups, only the right hip joint showed a significant difference in both groups. Also, in the comparison of the Y balance test and posture screen test before and after exercise, both groups showed significant. CONCLUSION: The Ai-Chi underwater exercise helped improve the range of motion of the hip joint and the ability to balance. Also It helped improve posture alignment. In addition, although the increase in all physical activity groups lower than the appropriate physical activity groups was greater in all figures, the increase in the number of samples, the extension of the experimental period, and various variables could be obtained.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.39-47
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• 2012

The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of a horse riding simulator and galvanic vestibular stimulation on improving the ability to balance posture and proprioception. Thirty healthy adults participated and were randomly assigned to a horse riding simulator group ($n_1$=10), galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) group ($n_2$=10), control group ($n_3$=10). Experiment groups were trained 3 times per week over 6 weeks. The ability to balance posture was measured by force plate and proprioception was measured by Joint position sense. The following results were obtained. the changes of balance index were significant interaction in each group in accordance with the experiment time in 0, 3 and 6 weeks (p<.05). All groups showed the most decreasing pattern compared with the control group. But was not statistically significant. Proprioception was significant interaction in each group in accordance with the experiment time (p<.05). All groups showed the most decreasing pattern compared with the control group. The above results indicated that the 6 weeks horse riding simulator and galvanic vestibular stimulation training demonstrated positive effects in the ability to balance posture and proprioception. These results suggest that the horse riding simulator and galvanic vestibular stimulation training could be therapeutic intervention that can improve balance and postural control.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.26 no.5
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• pp.358-364
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• 2014

Purpose: Flexed posture commonly increases with age in older women and is characterized by an excessive curvature in the thoracic spine (kyphosis), forward head posture, and decline in height. This study was conducted in order to determine the relationship between flexed posture, physical performance, and psychosocial factors in community dwelling elderly women in Korea. Methods: Fifty-two subjects with thoracic kyphosis of $40^{\circ}C$ or greater participated in this study. Flexed posture was measured using kyphosis angle (KA), forward head posture (FHP), and round shoulder (RS), and physical performance was evaluated using the short physical performance battery (SPPB), grip strength, and static and dynamic balance. Psychosocial factors were measured using depression and the quality of life (QOL). All data were analyzed using SPSS 18.0 software for windows. Results: KA showed significant correlation with SPPB score (r=-0.447) and dynamic balance (r=0.426) (p<0.05) depression (r=0.405) and QOL (r=-0.464) but not with grip strength and static balance in elderly individuals. FHP and RS showed significant correlation with SPPB score (r=0.002, r=-0341) and dynamic balance (r=-0.278, r=0.346) (p<0.05) but not with psychosocial factors. Conclusion: These findings suggest that flexed posture provides meaningful information about physical performance and psychosocial factors in elderly women. Our data suggest that the flexed posture may need to be addressed as part of the health management process for elderly women.

• Journal of the Korea Society of Computer and Information
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• v.25 no.8
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• pp.145-150
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• 2020

Forward head posture is one of the most recognized types of poor head and neck alignment. Poor head and neck alignment posture is a major contributor to compromised balance and neck pain, due to abnormal joint position sense and proprioception. Kinesio taping is an intervention method used clinically for the management of pain. Kinesio taping may produce its effects through pain reduction, stimulation of blood circulation, induction of muscle relaxation which provides correction of joint position, and providing stability to the muscles and joints without limiting the range of motion. Many studies have proved that kinesio taping has positive effects on the reduction of pain and improves alignment, on the other hand, some studies have not found. Kinesio taping may provide immediate pain relief and improved alignment following the application, but there is insufficient evidence to support sustained relief beyond that time and they recommended future studies to examine the benefits of kinesio taping as this would have a greater value in clinical practice. Therefore, this study is to investigate the effects of kinesio taping on the alignment of head posture and dynamic balance ability in people with forward head posture.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.17-26
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• 2002

This study is aimed to compare the effect of visuo-perceptual biofeedback sitting balance training and conventional sitting balance training using Balance Master on stroke patients with that of program in order to analyze the effect it has on dynamic postural balance. The subjects are twenty-four stroke patients who are receiving physical therapy in Ilsan Paik Hospital and can maintain sitting posture by themselves. These patients were divided to control group and experimental group randomly. In order to compare to control and experimental group before and after the balance training, they were tested with Mann-Whitney U test and in order to compared the changes before and after the balance training, they were tested with Wilcoxon signed-ranks test. The results are as follows: we measured the ability of dynamic posture balance control with limit of stability(LOS) test and rhythmic weight shift test. There was an increasing improvement in the ability of dynamic posture balance control of the experimental group that had visuo-perceptual biofeedback sitting balance control training using the Balance Master(p<0.05, p<0.01). According to the results from above, compared to conventional sitting balance training programs, visuo-perceptual biofeedback sitting balance control training using the Balance Master is considered to be a more valuable therapy in balance control improvement and physical function improvement. It is considered that if the weak points are made up, the training with Balance Master will give help to stroke patients and to patients with balance control disabilities and will further more contribute to successful rehabilitation therapy.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.211-217
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• 2017

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a 12-week professional body massage program (PMP) on forward head posture, neck pain, and plantar foot pressure balance in men in their 20s. Method: A total of 20 men with musculoskeletal diseases were recruited for this study. The participants were asked to take part in a PMP twice a week for 12 weeks. The cranial vertical angle (CVA) for forward head posture and visual analogue scale (VSC) for neck pain and right/left foot plantar pressure balances were extracted to compare between pre- and post-program differences. Results: CVAs before ($56.86{\pm}4.55^{\circ}$) and after ($62.72{\pm}4.57^{\circ}$) and VSCs before ($6.95{\pm}1.70$) and after ($1.70{\pm}1.56$) PMP revealed statistically significant differences. The right foot, after PMP, showed a significant increase in the plantar pressure balance from $46.17{\pm}2.95$ to $49.44{\pm}1.29%$, while the left foot decreased significantly from $53.83{\pm}2.95%$ to $50.56{\pm}1.29%$. Therefore, based on these results, it may be said that the foot pressure balance abilities were improved after PMP because the ideal foot pressure ratio is 50%. Conclusion: Consequently, it was suggested that a 12-week PMP could be utilized for improvement of forward head posture, neck pain, and foot plantar pressure balance in men in the 20s with musculoskeletal diseases.

• The Journal of Korean Society for School & Community Health Education
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.59-71
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• 2020

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to investigate the change of posture balance and muscular strength before and after exercise by conducting a health gymnastics program for the elderly with chronic diseases of musculoskeletal system. Methods : The subjects of this study were 32 elderly people who had no experience participating in the musculoskeletal system linkage gymnastics program over 65 years old in a rural area in H city, Gyeonggi-do. The data were analyzed by computerized processing with SPSS 23.0. Results : The results of the study were as follows: First, the average of muscular strength before and after gymnastics according to general characteristics was significant in average according to age, presence of spouse, education level, and cohabitation type. Second, the subjects exercised for 2 days a week, and 25.59(±0.51) minutes on average. Third, the change of balance of the face (t=2.993, p=.011), shoulder (t=3.811, p=.002) and pelvic left and right (t=3.584, p=.004) was statistically significant in the posture balance. Fourth, muscular strength was statistically significant in motor function of AMS, SMS, and FMS (p<0.001). Conclusion : Therefore, after applying the health gymnastics program, the improvement of posture balance and muscular strength of the elderly became apparent, so it is necessary to disseminate this gymnastics program. The health gymnastics program is expected to positively improve the quality of life for the elderly.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.237-245
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• 2019

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a 12-week Balanching Exercise on posture alignment, and foot plantar pressure balance in female middle students. Method: The subjects consisted of 26 female middle students, Among of 26 people exercise group is 13 persons (age: 14.69±0.48 yrs, height: 156.62±6.96 cm, weight: 50.72±9.94 kg) and control group is 13 persons (age: 14.85±0.38 yrs, height: 158.93±4.44 cm, weight: 54.25±6.60 kg) and they played Balanching Exercise for 12 weeks for 60 minutes a day, three times a week. Results: In this study, the changes of posture alignment of female middle students were analyzed. The results were as follows: head tilt, the shoulder tilt, the pelvis tilt in experimental group and there was statistically significant. Control group was head tilt, the shoulder tilt, the pelvis tilt but there was not statistically significant difference. The changes of foot pressure balance of female middle students were analyzed. The change of the foot pressure balance difference before and after the experimental group decreased by 29.3% from 6.69±3.86% to 4.73±3.57%, which was statistically significant. Control group was increased by 17.6% from 6.30±4.43% to 7.41±3.69% there was not statistically significant difference. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that Balanching Exercise has a positive effect on improving the posture alignment and has a positive effect on foot pressure balance Research should be continued.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.32-40
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• 2024

Objectives The main aim was to quantify forward head posture using POM Checker®, a postural balance analyzer, among elementary school students. Additionally, the study aimed to investigate whether postural imbalance improved following three sessions of the school doctor program focused on body posture correction. Methods The program was conducted as part of the school doctor program in Korean Medicine, featuring lectures by a designated Korean Medicine doctor at an elementary school. The curriculum covered the importance of maintaining correct posture and included posture correction exercises. Pre- and post-program self-reported surveys were administered, alongside postural measurements taken over three months at one-month intervals. The survey included data on gender, grade, lifestyle habits, and awareness of correct posture. Result Out of 73 participating students, 63 underwent body balance measurements from the upper grades of one elementary school. Survey results revealed significant variations in daily sitting hours and weekly exercise levels. Attendance at lectures increased knowledge about correct posture. Initial measurements of forward head posture categorized 41.0% and 1.6% of participants into caution and risk groups, respectively. After the second measurement, the caution group representation decreased to 3.2%, and by the third measurement, only 1.6% of participants remained in the caution group. Conclusions Improvements in the angle and understanding of forward head posture among elementary school students were observed before and after the Korean Medicine school doctor program. However, posture improvement may be temporary, necessitating consistent follow-up management and monitoring.