• Science of Emotion and Sensibility
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.81-90
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• 2021

EMSCT (Electrical Muscle Stimulation Conductive Textile) is an electrical muscle stimulation pad that can compensate for ease of use and comfort, which are disadvantages of conventional hydrogel pads used in electrical muscle stimulation (EMS). With the concentration with SWCNT (Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube) and the number of impregnation processes, EMSCT was tested by giving conductivity to five fabrics (radirons, neoprene, spandex cushions, poly100%, and vergamo). The padding process with SWCNT was performed, and the alternating current measurement indicated that the most similar alternating current with hydrogel was the Vergamo fabric of SWCNT:=2:1. Furthermore, the usability evaluation of convenience, usability, and psychological satisfaction results in increased usability of EMSCT compared with conventional hydrogel pads.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.444-449
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• 2021

Objective: The purpose of this study is to observe the change in the thickness of abdominal muscles when electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) is applied to the abdomen during rest and abdominal muscle exercise to investigate the effect of EMS applied to the abdomen on the superficial and deep muscles thickness. Design: Cross sectional design. Methods: Twenty healthy subjects participated in this study. Subjects were performed resting position, resting position with EMS, curl-up and curl-up with EMS. The electrode of the EMS belt is attached to the abdominal wall between the 12th rib and iliac crest. The thickness of abdominal muscles including rectus abdominis (RA), external oblique (EO), internal oblique (IO), and transverse abdominis (TrA) were captured in each position by ultrasound image during expiration. All subjects were performed four positions randomly. Data were analyzed using repeated ANOVA with the level of significance set at 𝛼=0.05. Results: The muscle thickness of RA, EO, IO and TrA were significantly different at each position (p<0.05). The thickness of all abdominal muscles increased significantly when curl-up than curl-up with EMS. Both RA and EO thickness were significantly increased at resting position than resting position and EMS were combined(p<0.05). But IO and TrA thickness were decreased at resting position when EMS were combined. Conclusions: The results suggest that EMS activates superficial abdominal muscles RA and EO. Therefore, abdominal strengthening exercise combined EMS can activate abdominal muscles and can be applied to various patients and rehabilitation in clinical practice.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.17-24
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• 2023

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different frequency on of knee extensors muscle function during electrical muscle stimulation (EMS). Method: In this research, 40 subjects who have no musculoskeletal disorder, and less than a year workout experience were recruited in order to analyze effects of EMS with different stimulus frequency. Forty subjects were randomly divided into four groups of ten subjects in each group. A EMS training program with different frequencies (without EMS [WE], EMS with frequency 30 Hz [E30], EMS with frequency 60 Hz [E60], EMS with frequency 90 Hz [E90]) was assigned to each group. Throughout eight weeks of training, test subjects were simultaneously carried out knee extension exercises such as squat, leg extension, and leg-press while using EMS with different frequency (20 min, pulse width 250 ㎲, on-off ratio 1:1). Isokinetic knee extension strength, muscle activity of the rectus femoris (RF), the vastus medialis (VM), and the vastus lateralis (VL), and the median frequency of the RF, the VM, and the VL were collected and compared between pre and post training in order to find effects of applying EMS with different frequencies. For each dependent variable, a one-way ANOVA was to determine whether there were significant differences among four different conditions (p<.05). When a significant difference was found, post hoc analyses were performed using the contrast procedure. Results: When compared to WE and E90, E30 causes significant increase in isokinetic knee extension strength. No significant differences were found in EMG values across different EMS conditions. However, the median frequency of the VM in E30 was significantly increased than the corresponding value for WE. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that EMS training with 30 Hz frequency had positive effect on knee extensor. Based of the findings of the present study, EMS training with lower frequency may help the performer to focus on developing strength in knee extensor muscles.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.140-146
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• 2022

Background: The superimposed technique (ST) involves the application of electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) during voluntary muscle action. The physiological effects attributed to each stimulus may be accumulated by the ST. Although various EMS devices for the quadriceps muscle are being marketed to the general public, there is still a lack of research on whether ST training can provide significant advantages for improving quadriceps muscle strength or thickness compared with EMS alone. Objective: To compare the effects of eight weeks of ST and EMS on the thicknesses of the rectus femoris (RF) and vastus intermedius (VI) muscles and knee extension strength. Methods: Thirty healthy subjects were recruited and randomly assigned to either the ST or EMS groups. The participants underwent ST or EMS training for eight weeks. In all participants, the thicknesses of the RF and VI muscles were measured before and after the 8-week intervention by ultrasonography, and quadriceps muscle strength was measured using the Smart KEMA tension sensor (KOREATECH Co., Ltd.). Results: There were significant differences in the pre- and post-intervention thicknesses of the RF and VI muscles as well as the quadriceps muscle strength in both groups (p < 0.05). RF thickness was significantly greater in the ST group (F = 4.294, p = 0.048), but there was no significant difference in VI thickness (F = 0.234, p = 0.632) or knee extension strength (F = 0.775, p = 0.386). Conclusion: EMS can be used to improve quadriceps muscle strength and RF and VI muscle thickness, and ST can be used to improve RF thickness in the context of athletic training and fitness.

• Journal of Fashion Business
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.93-107
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• 2023

This study aimed to design a knee brace with dry electrode EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) for elite badminton players suffering from knee pain and assess its effectiveness in relieving pain and improving mobility. The assessment measured knee joint range of motion (ROM), Sargent jump height, and pain perception using a visual analog scale (VAS). Four experimental groups were established: stability, pain induction after 100 squats, muscle soreness induction with a regular knee brace, and muscle soreness induction with the EMS knee brace. The most suitable knee brace was selected from four samples to design the EMS knee brace. The conductive fabric was integrated into the inner surface of the knee brace to enhance EMS conductivity for the quadriceps muscles. Tensile strength tests showed that the dry electrode did not significantly affect the physical functionality of the knee brace.Regarding knee joint ROM and Sargent jump height, the EMS knee brace outperformed muscle soreness induction with a regular knee brace and wearing a standard knee brace. VAS measurements demonstrated that the EMS braces effectively alleviated pain perception in most cases. The results indicate the potential for developing EMS braces to alleviate pain and prevent injuries for athletes across various sports.

• Journal of Fashion Business
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.50-67
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• 2024

This study developed a thoracic support harness designed to contract the lower trapezius muscle through electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) applied to the subscapularis region. Fifteen female office workers in their 30s who were diagnosed with forward head posture syndrome (FHP) participated in experiments evaluating stiffness and rigidity of the upper trapezius muscle. The experiment measured FHP Angle (FHPA), Neck Flexion Angle (NFA), Neck Extension Angle (NEA), Neck Rotation Angle (NRA), and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain perception and comfort. Participants were divided into four groups (A, B, C, D) for sequential testing. Group A served as control, Group B performed upper trapezius stretching (UTS), Group C received EMS to stimulate weakened lower trapezius muscle. Group D underwent both UTS and EMS concurrently. After intervention, cervical angles and VAS scores were compared between groups. Statistical analysis using t-tests revealed significant differences between Group A and Group B, C, or D. ANOVA was used to test mean differences among groups, followed by Tukey-Kramer post-hoc tests to identify specific group differences. Results indicated that stretching or EMS alone had limited effects, while a combination of stretching and EMS showed significant benefits. The comfort level of the harness was rated at an average of 3.86 with a standard deviation of 2.38

• Journal of Fashion Business
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.109-124
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• 2024

The aim of this paper is to design and evaluate calf braces that are equipped with Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) modules. These braces are intended to alleviate calf pain in PARA Taekwondo athletes. The paper also seeks to assess the effects of different textile electrode designs. PARA Taekwondo participants are at a heightened risk of injuries and pain due to the nature of this exercise, which is designed for individuals with disabilities. Additionally, there is a significant risk of strain on the lower limb muscles in PARA Taekwondo compared to regular Taekwondo. To address this issue, calf taping methods are commonly used. In this study, we develop calf EMS protective gear and aim to examine the effects of different textile electrode designs inspired by taping methods. We evaluate the differences in the effects of three different textile electrode designs through visual analog scale (VAS) and range of motion (ROM) measurements. The results show that EMS protective gear has the potential to reduce calf pain among PARA Taekwondo athletes, with electrode designs inspired by kinesiology taping providing the most effective pain relief. This research suggests that these findings may be applicable to other sports disciplines, body areas, and everyday pain relief scenarios.

• Science of Emotion and Sensibility
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.69-78
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• 2021

The development of smart healthcare wearables for health is accelerating. Among them, many wearable products using EMS electrical stimulation, which is one of the active research fields, have been released. However, the EMS wearable, which has been studied or released, is released in a comprehensive full-body suit that does not focus on muscle segmentation or a belt that covers the entire abdomen. Therefore, this study intends to use two breathing methods by applying an EMS pattern that subdivides specific muscles and attach a stretch sensor that can measure breathing to the abdominal pressure belt. The measurement method was conducted by inhaling and exhaling, and the subjects were 10 men in their 20s with healthy bodies. As a result of this study, the sensor's sensitivity was 5 and 3 mm, and the basic sensor in both thoracic and abdominal breathings and the EMS abdominal pressure belt showed improved respiration activation after applying electrical stimulation before and after application. It is concluded that, because of the two patterns produced based on the physical function, the difference in respiration activation effect and sensitivity between sensors could be confirmed with three sensors rather than not applying electrical stimulation suitable for the respiration method. Based on the results of this study, a follow-up study aims to develop breathing smart clothing that can be monitored in real time in clothing-type wearable products that incorporate EMS patterns and stretch sensors.

• Journal of Fashion Business
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.112-122
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• 2022

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of using socks combined with EMS on ankle pain reduction and ankle function improvement in home training participants. In this study, the conductive fabric was combined using socks that can properly compress the ankle. First, VAS was measured during EMS training after fatigue was induced and compared with fatigue during rest. It was confirmed that the level of VAS after EMS training was lower than after rest and fatigue. It was also confirmed that EMS training, which combines EMS with socks, was effective in reducing pain. The experimental action is a measurement action of WBLT and lying posture, and the situation before and after EMS training was compared by performing 30 minutes on the treadmill to cause delayed muscle pain during exercise. As a result of this study, it was found that pain reduction and ROM function were improved when electrical stimulation was performed using EMS socks. It was also confirmed that the application of electrical stimulation to EMS socks effected on ankle fatigue and function improvement. From the study results, it is expected that wearing socks equipped with EMS significantly reduces ankle injuries and improves functional recovery for home training participants.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.141-146
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• 2022

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different frequency on muscle function of the thigh in patients with degenerative knee arthritis during the functional electrical stimulation (FES). Method: For this study, 16 male participants over 65 who patients with degenerative knee arthritis were recruited as research participants. In this research, isokinetic muscular function, EMG, and joint position sensation were performed after FES treatment was applied for three conditions (FES 20, FES 50, and Without FES). For each dependent variable, one-way ANOVA with repeated measures was to determine whether there were significant differences among three different conditions (p<.05). When a significant difference was found, post hoc analyses were performed by using the contrast procedure. Results: When compared to FES 50 and without FES, FES 20 causes significant increase in isometric knee extension strength. No significant differences were found in EMG values across different EMS conditions. Conclusion: The present study examined isokinetic muscular function, EMG, and joint position sensation in order to investigate the effects of different frequency muscle function of knee extensors during the functional electrical stimulation. The results of this study showed that FES with 20 Hz frequency had positive effect on knee extensor. Based on the findings of the present study, FES with lower frequency may help the performer to focus on developing strength in knee extensor muscles.