• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.49-54
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• 2013

Background: The purposed of this study is to examine the static and dynamic plantar foot pressure in chronic low back pain patients and normal adults. Methods: The subjects were divided into a group of 30 patients with chronic low back pain and a control group of 30 healthy persons. While static posture and dynamic posture at comfortable walking speeds, the low back pain group and the control group measured their plantar foot pressure and the trajectory of their center of pressure (COP) using the Matscan(R) system. Independent t-tests were measured to compare differences in plantar foot pressure characteristics between the left side and right side of the low back pain group and the control group. Results: In the comparison of differences in plantar foot pressure characteristics between the left side and right side of the low back pain group and the control group, the anteroposterior (AP) displacement of COP showed significant differences (p<.05). Although the low back pain group and the control group did not show any significant differences in leg length, weight distribution, mediolateral (ML) displacement of COP, static contract area, dynamic contract areas (p>.05), increases in the contract area values were shown in the hind foot in general. Conclusion: In this study, it was shown that patients with chronic low back pain were walking with short AP displacement of the COP as a compensatory action to avoid pain.

• Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.1823-1829
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• 2019

Background: Stroke patients have leg muscle weakness and impaired balance resulting in compensatory changes. To restore balance in these patients, functional training using postural strategy is needed. Objective: To examine the effects of ankle and hip strategy training on the center of pressure (COP) movement and limits of stability (LOS) in standing posture in stroke patients. Design: The study was an assessor-blinded and randomized-controlled clinical trial. Methods: Thirty patients were randomly assigned to an ankle strategy training group and a ankle/ hip strategy training group. Patients in the ankle strategy training group underwent ankle strategy exercise for 30 min, and those in the ankle/ hip strategy training group underwent 15 min of ankle strategy exercise and 15 min of hip strategy exercise. Both groups underwent training thrice a week for four weeks. Forward, backward, paretic side, and non-paretic side COP movements and LOS were measured using BioRescue. Results: After the intervention, except for the backward area in the ankle strategy training group, the COP movement area and the LOS were significantly improved in both the groups. In addition, these improvements were significantly higher in ankle/ hip strategy training group than that in the ankle strategy training group. Conclusions: Ankle strategy training in addition to hip strategy training improves COP movement (forward-backward, paretic side area, and non-paretic side area) and LOS in stroke patients.

• Science of Emotion and Sensibility
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• v.6 no.4
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• pp.25-32
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• 2003

This paper suggests the evaluation method of gait analysis in measurements obtained using the "Foot Scanner" and "Foot Analyzer" system. Previous examination method with the unaided eye on the sole of the foot and analysis method of pressure distribution in gait have been discussed by many researchers. Also they have concerned with pressure curve, COP(center of pressure) trace, and velocity in COP. However experiment results depend on test environment and conditions of subjects. Consequently we need to regard the special energy parameter for solving the problem. The kinetic energy and impulse parameter can be used as parameters of gait analysis. The results of this study confirmed the validity of presented of the parameters through the experiment with eight subjects.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.27-33
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• 2008

The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes of the center of pressure (COP) trajectory in healthy elderly subjects while crossing an obstacle before and after participation in Tai Chi training. Forty healthy elderly subjects participated either in a 12-week intervention of Tai Chi training or in a health education program. The participants were divided into two groups (the experimental group and the control group). Subsequently, the participants were pre- and post-tested on crossing over an obstacle from a quiet stance. Participants in the experimental group received Tai Chi training that emphasized the smooth integration of trunk rotation, a shift in weight bearing from bilateral to unilateral support and coordination and a gradual narrowing of the lower-extremity stance three times weekly. The participants in the control group attended a health education program one hour weekly and heard lectures about general information to promote health. Performance was assessed by recording the changes in the displacement of the COP in the anteroposterior (A-P) and mediolateral (M-L) directions using a force platform. Participants in the Tai Chi group significantly increased the A-P and M-L displacement of the COP after Tai Chi training (p<.05). No significant differences in the A-P and the M-L displacement of the COP between pre-testing and post-testing in the control group were found. This study has shown that participation in Tai Chi exercise increased the magnitude of the A-P and M-L displacement of the COP, thereby improving the ability of healthy elderly participation to generate momentum to initiate gait. These findings support the use of Tai Chi training as an effective fall-prevention program for the elderly.

• Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.2253-2260
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• 2020

Background: Patients with low back pain (LBP) experience misalignments in the center of pressure (COP) and muscle imbalances due to frequent onesided posture adjustments to avoid pain. Objectives: To identify the effects of Squat Exercises with Vertical Whole-Body Vibration on the Center of Pressure and Trunk Muscle Activity. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: Thirty LBP patients with an imbalance in the COP were sampled and randomly assigned to an experimental group of 15 patients who under went an intervention involving squat exercises with vertical WBV and a control group of 15 patients who were treated via a walking intervention. As pretests before the interventions, the subjects' COP was identified by measuring their stability index (ST), and erector spinae, rectus abdominis, transverse abdominis, gluteus medius muscle activity was analyzed by determining the % reference voluntary contraction (%RVC) value using surface electromyography while sit to stand. After four weeks, a post test was conducted to remeasure the same variables using the same methods. Results: Statistically significant differences were found in the ST (P<.01) and trunk muscle (P<.05, P<.001) in the experimental group before and after the intervention. In terms of the differences between the left- and right-side (RL) muscle activity, only the transverse abdominis (TrA) and gluteus medius (GM) exhibited statistically significant increase (P<.05). A comparison of the groups showed statistically significant differences in the TrA with respect to muscle activity (P<.05) and in the RLTrA and RLGM in terms ofthe difference between left- and right-side muscle activity (P<.01). Conclusion: Squat exercises with vertical WBV produced effective changes in the COP of patients with LBP by reducing muscle imbalances through the delivery of a uniform force. In particular, strengthening the TrA and reducing an imbalance in the GM were determined to be important factors in improving the COP.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.119-125
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• 2015

Purpose: The current study seeks to examine the effects of stabilizing reversal(SR) and rhythmic stabilization(RS) in proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) techniques on static balance in normal female adults. Methods: Subjects included 20 healthy women in their 20s. They were randomly divided into SR and RS groups. To assess static balance before and after PNF intervention, the good balance system was used to measure the interior and exterior center of pressure (COP) movement distance, front and rear COP movement distance before and after the intervention, and velocity moment. Results: Interior and exterior COP movement distance, front and rear COP movement distance, and velocity moment decreased in the SR group, but no statistically significant differences were observed. In the RS group, the interior and exterior COP movement distance declined without any significant difference, while the front and rear COP movement distance and velocity moment significantly decreased. The interior and exterior COP movement distance, front and rear COP movement distance, and velocity moment declined more in the RS group than in the SR group. Conclusion: The findings of the current study indicate that the RS technique is more effective than the SR technique for improving the balance ability of healthy female adults. The results of this study can thus be utilized in the selection of effective interventions for improving the balance ability of healthy female adults.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.25-29
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• 2009

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of two different lifting posture on the plantar foot pressure, force and COP(center of pressure) trajectory path during object lifting. Fourteen healthy adults who had no musculoskeletal disorders were instructed to lift with two postures(stoop and squat) and two object weights(empty box and 10 kg box). Plantar foot pressures, forces and COP trajectory path were recorded by the F-mat system(Tekscan, Boston, USA) during object lifting with barefoot. Plantar foot surface was defined as seven regions for pressure measurement; two toe regions, three forefoot regions, one midfoot region and one heel region. Paired t-test was used to compare the outcomes of peak pressure and maximum force with different two lifting postures and two object weights. Plantar peak pressure and maximum force under hallux was significantly greater in squat posture than stoop posture during the two different boxes lifting(p<.05). During the empty box lifting, maximum force under lessor toes was significantly less and plantar peak pressure under second metatarsal region was significantly greater in squat than stoop(p<.05). Maximum force under heel was significantly less in squat than stoop posture during 10kg box lifting(p<.05). Finally, COP trajectory path was significantly greater in squat than stoop(p<.05). These findings confirm that there are significantly change in the structure and function of the foot during the object lifting with different posture. Future studies should focus on the contribution of both structural and functional change to the development of common foot problems in adults.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.67-77
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• 2010

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to investigate the usefulness of clinical balance tests through the correlation of balance evaluation using by forceplate in elderly. Methods : Thirty nine healthy elderly subjects (14 males, 25 females) participated in the study. The subjects were evaluated with clinical balance tests [(Berg balance scale (BBS), Functional reach test (FRT), Tinetti's performance oriented mobility assessment (POMA), and one leg standing (OLS)]. Static balance evaluation was assessed by using forceplate. Center of pressure (COP) parameters were obtained using it as total path distance, total sway area, X mean frequency and Y mean frequency for 20 seconds in the following conditions: (1) comfortable standing with eyes opened and closed, (2) uncomfortable standing with eyes opened and closed. After static balance evaluation tested, dynamic balance evaluation was assessed. COP parameters were error distance and area during sine curve trace. COP parameters were movement time, error distance, and maintained time in the circle during COP movement task. Results : Clinical balance tests showed statistically significant correlation between static and dynamic balance evaluations. Among the clinical balance tests, the BBS, POMA, and OLS showed significant correlation with to assess the balance ability of elderly in clinical setting both evaluations. Conclusion : Clinical balance tests can be recommended in clinical setting because of low costs and simplicity.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.213-218
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• 2000

Pressure distributions of the soft tissue are valuable for understanding and diagnosing the disease characteristics due to the mechanical loading. Our system measures dynamic pressure distributions in real-time under the general PC environment, and analyzes various foot disorders. Main features of the developed system are as follows: (1) With the resistive pressure sensor matrix of 40${\times}$40 cells, the data is sent to the PC with the maximum sampling rate of 40 frames/sec. (2) For each frame, contact area, pressure and force are analyzed by graphic forms. Thus, various biomechanical parameters are easily determined at specific areas of interests. (3) A certain stance phase can be chosen for the analysis from the continuous walking, and the detailed biomechanical analysis can be done according to an arbitrary line dividing anterior/posterior or medial/lateral plantar areas. (4) The center of pressure (COP) is calculated and traced from the pressure distribution data, and thus the movement of the COP is monitored in detail. A few experiments revealed that our system successfully measured the dynamic plantar distribution during normal walking.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.67-75
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• 2011

The purpose of this study was to find the difference in gait patterns when elderly and young people walk by analyzing COP, Gait Line, Foot pressure pattern, and ensuring the original biomechanics technology of developing high performance footwear for the elderly. The subjects who took part in the test consist of 20 elderly people and 20 young people. The physical features of the elderly people that were recruited for the study are as below: 20 healthy male subjects(elderly people) with an average age of 75.43 yrs(S.D 6.46 yrs), weight of 68.10 kg(S.D 0.94 kg) and a height of 168.65 cm(S.D 1.47 cm). Foot pressure pattern data was collected using a EMED-AT system(Novel Gmbh, Germany) operating at the 50 Hz during walking. The results are as follow : COP route of the elderly leans to lateral compared to the young, and Gait Line from heel to toe is not clear and laterally curved. At the same time, a contact are aonthe midfoot is high compared to the young, and maximum force of the forefoot is low. As a result of analysis, in order to develop high performance footwear for the elderly, it is necessary to develop lasts and soles reflecting the elderly's gait patterns.