• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.19-29
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• 2004

Many muscles of the trunk and hip are capable of contributing to the stabilization and protection of the lumbar spine. To have optimal effectiveness, a training program should include dynamic back/stomach/hip exercises. This study was designed to assess the L5 level paraspinal, external abdominal oblique, and gluteus maximus muscle activities during various low back stabilization exercises. Participants were 26 healthy adults (13 males, 13 Females), aged 21 to 28 years. The surface electromyography (EMG) was recorded from the L5 level paraspinal, external abdominal oblique, and gluteus maximus muscles. The recorded signal was averaged and normalized to the maximal electromyographic amplitude obtained during the maximal voluntary contraction. The measurements were taken during 3 low back stabilization exercises. One-way analysis of variance with repeated measures was used to examine the difference, and a post hoc test was performed with least significant difference. A level of significance was set at p<.05. The significance of difference between men and women, and between the electromyographic recording sites was evaluated by an independent t-test. The EMG activity for the externus oblique and gluteus maximus muscles had significant differences among 3 exercises (p<.05). In males, the EMG activity for the external abdominal oblique muscle had significantly increased differences during exercises 1 and exercise 2 (p<.05). The gluteus maximus muscle had significantly increased differences during exercise 2 and exercise 3 (p<.05). In females, the multifidus muscle had significantly increased difference during exercise 3 (p<.05), the external abdominal oblique muscle had significantly increased difference during exercise 1 (p<.05). and the gluteus maximus muscle had significantly decreased difference during exercise 3 (p<.05). The results were that the external abdominal oblique muscle was apparently activated during the curl-up exercise in females and males, and the multifidus muscle was apparently activated during the bridging exercise in females and during the sling exercise in males and females.1)In comparison of the %MVC between males and females, exercise 2 and exercise 3 apparently activated of the multifidus and gluteus maximus muscles in both males and females (p<.05). The EMG activity of the gluteus maximus muscle of the males significantly increased during exercise 2 and exercise 3 (p<.05). The EMG activity the multifidus muscle of the females was significantly increased during exercise 2 and exercise 3 (p<.05). More research is needed to understand the nature of motor control problems in the deep muscles in patients with low back pain.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.1-11
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• 2012

The pelvic compression belt (PCB) contributes to improving sacroiliac joint stability, and it has been used as an additional therapeutic option for patients with sacroiliac joint pain (SIJP). This study aimed to investigate whether the muscle activation patterns of the supporting leg was different between asymptomatic subjects and subjects with SIJP during one-leg standing, and how it changes with the PCB. 15 subjects with SIJP and 10 asymptomatic subjects volunteered to participate in this study. Surface electromyography (EMG) data (reaction time [RT] and muscle activation) were collected from the internal oblique, lumbar multifidius, gluteus maximus and biceps femoris muscles during one-leg standing with and without the PCB. Without the PCB condition, in the SIJP group, the biceps femoris muscle showed the fastest RT among all muscles (p<.05), whereas in the asymptomatic group, the RT of the internal oblique muscle was the most rapid (p<.05). In condition without the PCB, the biceps femoris EMG amplitudes in the SIJP group were significantly greater than that in the asymptomatic group (p<.05). After the application of the PCB, the RT of the biceps femoris muscle was significantly increased only in the SIJP group (p<.05). Moreover, the biceps femoris EMG amplitudes significantly decreased and the gluteus maximus EMG amplitudes significant increased only in the SIJP group by applying the PCB (p<.05). However, this had no such effect on the gluteus maximus and biceps femoris EMG patterns in the asymptomatic group (p>.05). Thus, this study supports the applying the PCB to patients with SIJP can be used as a helpful option to modify the activation patterns of the gluteus maximus and biceps femoris muscle.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.29-34
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• 2008

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of anterolateral (45$^{\circ}$) and lateral (90$^{\circ}$) direction resistance, with using an elastic band, on the electromyographic(EMG) activity ratio of the vastus medialis oblique (VMO) and the vastus lateralis (VL) during squat exercise. Methods: The study subjects were 19 active people with no history of patellofemoral pain, limitation of range of motion or pain when performing squat exercise. A 'repeated measures within subjects' design was used. The subjects were asked to perform three repetitions of a 90$^{\circ}$ knee flexion squat exercise with anterolateral (45$^{\circ}$) and lateral (90$^{\circ}$) resistance and without resistance, respectively. The EMG activity of the VMO and VL were recorded by surface EMG electrodes and the results were normalized by the % MVIC value. Results: Repeated measures ANOVA's revealed that squat exercise with anterolateral (45$^{\circ}$) resistance produced significantly greater VMO/VL EMG activity ratio than that with lateral (90$^{\circ}$) resistance and without resistance (p=.013). Yet the result of contrast testing revealed that squat exercise with lateral (90$^{\circ}$) resistance showed no significant difference of the VMO/VL EMG activity ratio, as compared with squat exercise without resistance (p>0.05). Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that squat exercise combining anterolateral (45$^{\circ}$) resistance can contribute positively to the patients with patellofemoral pain as they increase the VMO/VL EMG activity ratio.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.1-9
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• 2004

Most exercise for Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) has focused on selectively strengthening the vastus medialis oblique muscle (VMO). Although open chain knee extension exercises are effective for increasing overall quadriceps strength, they are not always indicated for PFPS rehabilitation. This study was designed to identify the effect of combined posture of lower extremity on Electromyographic (EMG) activity of the vastus lateralis muscle (VL) and VMO during static squat exercises. The subjects were twenty young adult males who had not experienced any knee injury and their Q-angle was within a normal range. They were asked to perform static squat exercises in five various postures using their lower extremities. The EMG activity of the VL and VMO were recorded in five exercises by surface electrodes and normalized by %MVC values derived from seated, isometric knee extensions. The normalized EMG activity levels (%MVC) of the VL and VMO for the five postures of the lower extremities were compared using one way ANOVA with repeated measures. Results of repeated measures of ANOVA's revealed that exercise 3 and exercise 5 produced significantly greater EMG activity of VMO/VL ratios than exercise 1 (p<.05). When the static squat exercise was combined with hip adduction and toes pointed outwardly, the EMG activity of VMO/VL rates was increased. The EMG activity of VMO/VL ratio was highest during static squat exercises performed on a decline squat. These results haveimportant implications for progressive and selective VMO muscle strengthening exercises in PFPS patients.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2015

The purpose of this study was to compare the change in electromyography (EMG) activity in the gluteus maximus (G-max) and the gluteus medius (G-med) in subjects with and without chronic ankle instability (CAI) during three functional postures. Twenty four females were recruited for this study. Subjects were assigned into two groups: with CAI ($n_1=12$) and without CAI ($n_2=12$). The assessment postures were rotational squat, one leg stand above a gradient and crossed leg-sway. Electromyographic activities of the G-max and the G-med were recorded using surface EMG and was normalized using the maximal voluntary isometric contraction elicited using a manual muscle testing. Independent t-test was used to determine the statistical differences between two groups during the three functional postures. The comparisons of the three posture between two groups were performed using a one-way repeated analysis of variance. A Bonferroni adjustment used for post hoc analysis. The activation of EMG on G-max performing the one leg stand above a gradient and crossed leg-sway in subjects with CAI is significantly higher than normal group (p<.05). The activation of EMG on the G-max during the rotational squat was significantly increased, compared to those of the one leg stand above a gradient and crossed leg-sway (p<.05). The activation of EMG on G-med performing three exercise at CAI is significantly higher than normal group (p<.05). The activation of EMG on the G-med during the crossed leg-sway was significantly increased, compared to the rotational squat (p<.05). This study provides valuable information for clinician who research CAI.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.16-25
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• 2010

The aim of this study was to determine the muscle activity of the abdominalis and erector spinae during bridging and unilateral bridging exercises on the firm surface, the sir-fit, and the foam roll. Eighteen healthy young subjects were recruited for this study. Surface electromyographic (EMG) activities were recorded from the both sides of the rectus abdominalis, external obliques, internal obliques, and erector spinae muscles during bridging and unilateral bridging-exercises. A one-way repeated analysis of variance was used to compare the EMG activity of each muscle according to the support surface condition. Differences in the EMG activities between the bridging and unilateral bridging exercises, and between the right and left side were assessed using a paired t-test. The study showed that the EMG activities of all of the muscles were significantly higher when the bridging exercise was performed using the foam roll or sit-fit than on the firm surface. The EMG activities of the right rectus abdominis, right external obliques, the right internal oblique, and both erector spinae were significantly higher during unilateral bridging ex exercise using the foam roll or the sit-fit than on the firm surface. The EMG activities of all of the muscles were significantly higher during the unilateral bridging exercise than during the bridging exercise. Based on these finding, performing the unilateral bridging exercise using the sit-fit or the foam roll is a useful method for facilitating trunk muscle strength and lumbar stability.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.109-128
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• 2003

This study tested whether repeated measurement of median frequency (MDF)-related variables could express the muscle power changes during a 12-week DeLome strengthening program, by using consecutive overlapping FFT (Fast Fourier transformation) and integrated EMG (IEMG) from surface EMG data for isometric and isotonic exercise. To evaluate the effect of training, the following were recorded every 3 weeks for the elbow flexors and knee extensors of 5 healthy male volunteers: MVC, lRM, limb circumference, and surface EMG during isometric MVC or isotonic contraction at 10RM load. From the EMG data, IEMG and variables from a regression analysis between MDF and time were obtained. MVC, lRM, IEMG, and initial MDF increased linearly over the training period. The fatigue index and slope of the regression line increased temporarily until the 6th week and decreased thereafter. From these results, there appeared to be enhanced neural recruitment of fast twitch fibers in the first 6 weeks and continued enhancement in the recruitment and hypertrophy of fast twitch fibers, which led to increased fatigue resistance, over the last 6 weeks. Accordingly, the MDF and IEMG analysis technique could demonstrate the effect of the program detected significant changes in both isometric and isotonic contractions. EMG analysis methods can be used to estimate the electrophysiological and histological changes in skeletal muscles during a strengthening program.

• Transactions on Electrical and Electronic Materials
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• v.18 no.5
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• pp.298-302
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• 2017

With an increasing aging population and improved standards of living, more attention has been paid to health. Although walking exercise is known as an aerobic exercise, it imposes repeated and continuous impacts on the joints of the lower extremities. Therefore, when overweight gives a burden to the lower extremity or there is a joint disease, exercise limit occurs. The articular cartilage, weakened with age, also makes it difficult for the elderly to perform walking exercises. Accordingly, this study conducted a comparative analysis between regular walking using only the lower extremity and Nordic walking, which has been known as stable. For analysis, electromyography (EMG) was performed and the ground reaction force of the upper and lower extremities were measured in the same exercise. Integrated EMG (iEMG) revealed that the upper extremity muscles were more active in Nordic walking than in regular walking, where lower extremity muscles were relatively more inactive. In addition, when EMG measurements were performed at each measurement point during walking exercise, the pattern was different. Nevertheless, the result was the same as in iEMG. The load that occurs in each exercise was measured using the ground reaction force system. As a result, Nordic walking had a lower load than regular walking. Therefore, it was found that Nordic walking minimized the load on the lower extremities owing to the effect of whole-body exercise and was a safer and more efficient exercise method.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.4 no.4
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• pp.101-108
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• 2016

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of selective thoracic extensor strengthening exercises in the sitting position using a foam-roller by investigating the electromyographic(EMG) activities of the thoracic and lumbar extensors. Methods : Eighteen healthy subjects with no medical history of back pain were recruited. EMG activity was recorded from thoracic extensor(TE) and lumbar extensor(LE) while subjects performed three thoracic extension exercises: prone thoracic extension(PTE), prone thoracic extension with abdominal draw-in maneuver(PTE-ADIM), and sitting thoracic extension using a foam-roller(STE). TE and LE EMG activity, and TE/LE EMG activity ratio were analyzed by one-way repeated-measures analysis of variance(ANOVA). Where a significant difference was identified, a Bonferroni correction was performed(p<.017, .05/3). Results : TE and LE EMG activity, and TE/LE EMG activity ratio differed significantly among the three exercises(p<.05). Post hoc pair-wise comparison with Bonferroni correction showed that TE muscle activity in the STE exercise was significantly different from PTE and PTE-ADIM exercises(p<.017). There was no significant difference between TE muscle activity for PTE and PTE-ADIM exercises(p>.017). LE muscle activity and TE/LE ratios were significantly different among the three exercises p<.017). Conclusion : TE/LE ratio showed superior selective thoracic extensor strengthening for the STE exercise than PTE and PTE-ADIM exercises. Therefore, we recommend STE exercise for selective thoracic extensor strengthening.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.228-232
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• 2020

Purpose: This study examined the electromyography (EMG) activity of the abdominal muscles and the ratio of the oblique abdominal muscle activity to the rectus abdominis muscle during a single-leg holding position with isometric shoulder abduction (SLHISA) in the supine position on a foam roller. Methods: Nineteen healthy males were recruited to the study. Each subject was asked to lay on a round foam roller and perform singleleg (nondominant) holding with contralateral shoulder abduction to one of three angles (45°, 90°, or 135°) in random order. The surface EMG signals of the bilateral rectus abdominis (RA), external oblique abdominis (EO), and combined internal oblique abdominis (IO) and transverse abdominis (TrA) muscle were collected during the tasks. The EO/RA and (IO & TrA)/RA ratios were determined using surface EMG. One way repeated measure ANOVA with three SLHISAs was used to assess the significant abdominal muscle EMG activity and the ratio of the oblique abdominal muscles activity to the RA muscle. The statistical significance level was p<0.05. Results: The results were as follows. The SLHISA 135° showed significantly higher EMG activity of both RAs, left EO, and right IO & TrA muscles (p<0.05). The right EO and left IO and TrA muscles/RA were significantly different among the SLHISA angles. The SLHISA 45° showed a significantly greater ratio of right EO/RA and left IO & TrA/RA (p<0.05). Conclusion: SLHISA on a foam roller is useful for lumbopelvic stabilization exercise by increasing the activity and recruiting a specific pattern of the oblique abdominal muscle.