• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.333-338
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• 2014

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate any changes in abdominal muscle activity after curl-up and jack-knife exercisse using a sling and swiss-ball. METHODS: Sixteen asymptomatic subjects were randomly assigned into either a sling exercise group (SG) or swiss-ball exercise group (SBG). Subjects performed curl-up and jack-knife exercise using sling and swiss ball. Activity of abdominal muscles (rectus abdominis and external oblique) was assessed using surface electromyography (EMG) and normalized maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) before and after exercises. The significance of differences between the SG and the SBG was evaluated by analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). RESULTS: There was an increase in activity of all abdominal muscles after the curl-up and jack-knife exercises for 6 weeks. However, there was not a significant difference between the SG and the SBG after curl-up exercise (p>.05). There was also not a significant difference between the SG and the SBG after Jack-knife exercise (p>.05) except for the right external oblique muscle (p<.05). CONCLUSION: Exercises on an unstable surface using a sling and swiss ball are effective ways of abdominal muscle exercise.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2015

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of distal movement on shoulder muscle activation during diagonal pattern of exercises. METHODS: Seventeen healthy male participants volunteered to participate. Five muscles of shoulder were investigated during standing performance of diagonal shoulder exercises with and without visual trace. Two patterns of the diagonal exercises were used as diagonal 1 flexion and extension (D1F-E), and diagonal 2 flexion and extension (D2F-E). Two way repeated measures analysis of variance was used, which the factor was the presence of distal movement and exercise variations. RESULTS: The average muscle activity values of the lower trapezius and anterior deltoid are higher with the D2F-E, compared to the D1F-E (p<.05). The distal movement effect was observed within included all muscles except the lower trapezius, which the values are significantly greater in exercise with distal movement (P<.05). All significant increase of the muscles during the exercise with distal movement condition showed over 0.9 for the observed power in present study. CONCLUSION: Present result suggested that the diagonal pattern of exercise with distal movement has additional advantages of activating the scapulothoracic muscle as well as glenohumeral muscles. In addition, the D2F-E exercise pattern is effective for activating lower trapezius and anterior deltoid muscles.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.238-243
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• 2020

Objective: The purpose of this study was to confirm the validity of a respiratory retraining exercise using pressure biofeedback units among individuals with stroke as an effective intervention for improving quality of life. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: Thirty patients with stroke were recruited as subjects. Among them, 15 patients were randomly assigned to an experimental group performing lumbar stabilization exercise and respiratory retraining exercise, and the other 15 patients were randomly assigned to a control group conducting only lumbar stabilization exercises. Exercises were conducted 3 times a week for 6 weeks, and quality of life was evaluated in the pre-test, 3 weeks and 6 weeks periods. The respiratory retraining exercises were performed using a pressure biofeedback unit and the degree of the quality of life was measured using the Stroke- Specific Quality of Life. For data analysis on the study results, a two-way repeated ANOVA was used in order to observe for changes in the measured variables according to time for both groups. If there was a reciprocal action between the groups and the time in the effect test within the entities, a one-way repeated ANOVA was implemented and was statistically processed. Results: There was a significant difference in the main effect test between the 2 populations depending on the duration of the experiment (6 weeks) (p<0.05). Conclusions: The above results showed that respiratory retraining exercises may provide positive effects in the treatment of stroke as the quality of life showed significant differences according to the duration of treatment.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Safety
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.248-255
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• 1998

The objective of this study is to conduct the prevention method using electromyography that is to resist the strain on L5/S1 disc and to measure the heart rate for the prevention of low back pain during lifting. EMG signals and heart rate were analyzed under the condition of fixed vertical factor (20∼80cm), two horizontal factors (35cm, 55cm), and two weight factors (10kg, 25kg) 2 times per minute for each lifting task. Eight healthy male workers performed nine-step stretching exercises which were intensified back power at the L5/S1 disc for six months. After completion of the two trials, the results were compared. The results of this analysis show that EMG signals have more an effect on the weight than the horizontal factors similar to those analyzed previous study, and are decreased. Therefore, those exercises presented very efficient. Also, there are not statistically significant differences on the analysis result of heart rate between weight factors.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.49-58
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• 2014

Purpose : This study was to evaluate the effectiveness of exercise therapies for breast cancer patients through review analysis of the rehabilitation they had usually received to increase the quality of their lives. Exercise therapy for breast cancer patients has proven to be highly effective, so it is strongly recommended. Method : Focusing on breast cancer-related journal articles published since 1990, an analysis using the Spolit and Medline search engines was undertaken of breast krebs, tumors, cancer, sportaktivitaet, and exercise in patients with breast cancer. Exercise for breast cancer patients has been considered to have positive effects on fatigue, muscle weakness, and the range of motion of upper extremities, as well as on depression. Breast cancer patients have to be divided according to their identifying clinical characteristics, and then have to be prescribed a suitable exercise program. In accordance with previous articles, a varied exercise program was organized in terms of frequency, duration, and intensity. The frequency was more than three times per week. Its duration was about 30 minutes per session. Result : The intensity of exercise was moderate. The types of exercises included recommended strengthening exercises, as well as various aerobic exercises. Based on previous data, a new exercise method for breast cancer patients was introduced in this study. Conclusion : Above all, exercise programs should be planned according to the different characteristics of breast cancer patients, in order to reduce physical impairments and psychological problems.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.71-80
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• 2015

Hip muscle activation and strengthening exercise programs are often used to prevent and treat various lower extremity injuries. Common exercise programs include squat exercises. The purposes of this study were to investigate gluteus medius (GMED) and tensor fasciae latae (TFL) muscle activity, and to assess the GMED/TFL ratio during squat exercises involving different isometric hip contraction conditions. Different types of isometric hip contraction were standard squat without hip contraction, squats with isometric hip adduction, and squats with isometric hip abduction. Twenty (10 males and 10 females) healthy subjects ($23.7{\pm}2.8$ years old) were recruited. Subjects performed the squat exercises with the back supported by a wall and knees flexed to $60^{\circ}$. Surface electromyography (EMG) was used to measure GMED and TFL activity. One-way repeated analysis of variance was used to compare GMED and TFL muscle activity and the GMED/TFL ratio. GMED and TFL EMG activity was significantly higher during squats with isometric hip adduction and abduction compared with the standard squat without hip contraction (p<.05). Between the isometric hip adduction and abduction contraction conditions, only the TFL EMG activity was significantly higher during squats with isometric hip adduction than isometric hip abduction (p<.05). The GMED/TFL ratio was significantly higher during squats with isometric hip adduction than isometric hip abduction (p<.05). Squats with isometric hip adduction and abduction improved GMED and TFL muscle activity. Furthermore, the GMED/TFL ratio was higher during isometric hip adduction than isometric hip abduction. Our data indicate that squat exercises involving isometric hip adduction enhance GMED muscle activity.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.216-222
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• 2012

Purpose: Weight-bearing exercise is a type of physical exercise that is widely performed for rehabilitation after acquiring nervous-system diseases or sports-related injuries. It is one of the most commonly prescribed rehabilitation programs for strengthing of the lower extremities. Weight-bearing exercise is important for the conduct of such activity of daily living (ADLs) as walking, and up and down the stairs. The purpose of this study was to investigate the muscle activities during one-leg standing and one-leg squatting, the two most representative weight-bearing exercises. Methods: A total of 43 elderly (60~70 years old) males who could perform weight-bearing exercises were included in the study. During the one-leg standing and one-leg squatting, the electromyographic (EMG) signals were quantified as maximum voluntary isometric contraction (%MVIC) using surface EMG, and then the muscle activities of the lower extremities during the two exercises were compared. For statistical analysis, an independent sample t-test and one-way ANOVA were performed. Results: The results of the study are as follows: (1) in the one-leg standing, the activity of the gluteus medius was the greatest among the vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, bicep femoris, (2) in the one-leg squatting, the activity of the vastus medialis was the greatest; and (3) the activity was greater in the one-leg squatting than in the single-leg standing exercise. Conclusion: The one-leg standing and squatting exercises are suitable for strengthening the muscles for the prevention of and recovery from lower-extremity injury, and for functional ADL in elderly people. In addition, dynamic exercise was shown to be more effective than static exercise for strengthening the muscles.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.86-96
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• 2017

Background: Scapular dyskinesis is characterized by altered scapular position and motion. Specifically, excess activation of the Upper trapezius (UT) combined with decreased Lower trapezius (LT) and Serratus anterior (SA) have been observed. The Standard push-up plus exercise (SPP) is considered as a therapeutic exercise for increasing SA activity and maintaining the scapular kinematics. In addition, Using the Sling surface can lead to higher muscle activity. However, the advantage of an unstable surface has been uncertatin. Objects: To compare the activation of the UT, LT, and lower serratus anterior (LSA) muscles during various push-up plus exercises with and without sling in subjects with scapular dyskinesis. Methods: Total 18 male subjects with scapular dyskinesis were recruited. The UT, LT, and LSA electromyographic activities and the UT/LSA and UT/LT EMG activity ratios were measured during three push-up plus exercises with and without sling. Two-way repeated of analysis of variance was used to determine the statistical significance. Results: The UT activity was significantly lower in all postures without sling than that with sling. In addition, the LSA activity was significantly greater without than with sling, and significantly large in SPP, Low back supported push-up plus (LSPP), and Quadruped push-up plus. Additionally, the UT/LSA and UT/LT activity ratios were lower in SPP and LSPP without sling than with the other four push-up plus exercises. Conclusion: The push-up plus without sling were considered to decrease UT and increase LSA activity compared with exercises with sling. Furthermore, SPP without sling seems to be a more effective exercise for increasing LSA activity and lowering the UT/LSA and UT/LT activity ratios in scapular dyskinesis subjects.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.83-91
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• 2024

Purpose : This case study aimed to investigate the effects of backward walking exercises with a front-loaded bag on craniovertebral angle (CVA), craniorotational angle (CRA), and gait variables in subjects with forward head posture (FHP). Methods : Two individuals in their twenties with FHP performed backward walking exercises on a treadmill while carrying a front-loaded bag with a load equivalent to 20 % of their body weight, for 30 minutes per day, three times a week, over two weeks. CVA and CRA were measured before and after the intervention using side view photographs taken from 1.5 meters away. CVA was calculated by marking C7, the tragus of the ear, and the outer canthus of the eye, and CRA was determined using the same landmarks. Image J software was used for angle analysis, with measurements taken three times and averaged. Gait variables such as step length and cadence were recorded using a step analysis treadmill and analyzed with the software included with the equipment, with measurements taken at baseline and after the two-week intervention. Results : Both participants demonstrated notable improvements in the CVA, indicating enhanced head alignment relative to the cervical spine. There was also a marked decrease in the CRA, suggesting a reduction in rotational misalignment. Although differences were observed in gait variables, such as step length and cadence, these changes were not consistent across measurements. The results suggest that backward walking exercises with a load carried in front can positively influence postural adjustments by aligning the cervical spine in individuals with FHP. Conclusion : The findings of this case study indicate that backward walking exercises with a front-loaded bag can effectively improve cervical spine alignment in individuals with FHP. Differences were observed in gait variables, such as step length and cadence, but these changes were not consistent across measurements. Future studies should explore these effects more comprehensively and consider optimizing the exercise protocol for better therapeutic outcomes.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.24-31
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• 2012

The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of self-stretching exercises for iliotibial band (ITB) (Side-lying; right hip and knee were flexed to support the pelvis while left hip was extended and adducted, Standing A; side-bending of the trunk on standing with crossed leg, Standing B; same as Standing A, except the hands were clasped overhead and shifted right side, and Standing C; same as Standing B, except moving the arms diagonally downward) to help determine the most effective self-stretching method to stretch ITB. Twenty-one healthy subjects who do not have ITB shortness from Yonsei University (14 men and 7 women) between the ages of 18 to 28 years voluntarily participated. Ultrasound was performed to measure the thickness of the ITB between the long axis of the ITB and the level parallel to the lateral femoral epicondyle during four self-stretching exercises. All data were found to approximate a normal distribution. We used a one-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) to compare the thickness of the ITB among all self-stretching exercises. The level of significance was set at ${\alpha}$=.05. The ANOVA was followed by Bonferroni's correction. The overall mean of ITB thickness was $1.14{\pm}.4$ mm (${\pm}$ standard deviation) in resting status. The change in the ITB thickness in percentages between the tested position of each self-stretching exercises and resting status was significant (p<.05) (Side-lying $26.62{\pm}10.18%$ with 95% confidence interval [CI]=21.99~31.25%; Standing A $29.46{\pm}16.19%$ with 95% CI=22.09~36.84%; Standing B $44.06{\pm}14.82%$ with 95% CI=37.31~50.81%; Standing C $53.76{\pm}12.1%$ with 95% CI=48.25~59.29%). Results indicated significant differences among four self-stretching exercises except Side-lying versus Standing A (p<.01). Based on these findings, the Standing C self-stretching exercise was the most effective in stretching the ITB thickness among four types of ITB self-stretching exercises. Additionally, the Side-lying self-stretching exercise using gravity to stretch the ITB is recommended as a low-load (low-intensity), long-duration stretch.