• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.17 no.10
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• pp.628-634
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• 2016

Many pitchers suffer from various types of injury (distortion, sprain and so on). The rate of injury is increased if there are differences in strength between the extensor and flexor muscles when a joint movement is performed with maximum speed. However, there has been insufficient research into the injury caused by strength differences between the extensor and flexor muscles. Thus, the purpose of the study was to examine the effects of elbow ulnar collateral ligament injury on the maximal isometric strength in young baseball pitchers. The data collection was conducted for 2 weeks. The subjects (n=36) who participated in this study were placed into either the injury group (n = 18, IG) or normal group (n = 18, NG). The maximal isometric strength for the pectoralis major (PM), infraspintus (I), biceps brachii (BB), triceps brachii (TB), flexor carpi radialis (ECR) and extensor carpi radialis (FCR) muscles were determined by an isometric strength machine (K-DFX) and then the differences in strength were calculated by muscle group. All of the data were analyzed by SPSS 18.0 with the independent t-test. In the results, the maximal isometric strengths in the IG for the I (p=0.035), BB (p=0.031) and TB (p=0.041) were significantly lower than those in the NG, while that for the ECR (p=0.047) was significantly greater. In addition, the differences of the maximal isometric strength between the PM and I (p = 0.008), BB and TB (p = 0.002), and FCR and ECR (p = 0.032) in the IG were significantly greater than those in the NG. In conclusion, the differences in muscle strengths of the subjects in the IG were greater than those in the NG, which suggests that they might have a higher injury rate in the future. However, they might be able to recover from their injury and achieve better performance if the differences in strength were reduced by training.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.111-119
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• 2020

Objective: The purpose of this study is to apply exercise learning effect to various subjects through training effect and information accumulation based on verification of the effect on dumbbell curl exercises applied with virtual reality. Method: To analyze the effect on the dumbbell curl exercise in the virtual environment, a total of 20 persons with 10 males and 10 females who does not have orthopedics diseases were selected. The dumbbell weight of the subjects was set to a weight of 70% strength of 1RM. At this time, the virtual environment situation was set to four types; presence/absence of virtual environment, preferred colors, and unfavorable colors to perform dumbbell curl exercise. The anaysis of muscle activity was conducted by adhering four surface electrodes (Biceps Brachii, Triceps Brachii, Brachioradialis Muscle, Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus Muscle) on the right upper limbs. Independent sample t-test using SPSS (24.0) program was carried out to analyze average values and standard deviations for each variable depending on the presence/absence of virtual environments and changes in color (preferred colors, unfavorable colors) and the level of significance was set to a=.05. Results: In the eccentric contraction, males showed high muscle activity in the Biceps Brachii under virtual reality. On the other hand, females had high muscle activity in the Biceps Brachii in the absence of virtual reality. Also, in case of a change of colors in the virtual environment, females had the high muscle activity in the unfavorable color in the eccentric contraction. Conclusion: During the dumbbell curl exercise, results of different exercises present depending on gender. When males put VR on and performs a basic dumbbell curl exercise, the effect of Biceps presents Brachii for them while exercising in unfavorable colors. However, since it is the basic research data of muscle exercise using virtual reality, it is necessary to verify whether or not it is effective for myopachynsis through long-term training rather than unity.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.75-81
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• 2020

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of taping method using elastic tape and non-elastic tape on pain, grip strength and muscle activity in middle-aged female patients with lateral epicondylitis. METHODS: The subjects were 40- to 50-year-old female patients with lateral epicondylitis. A total of 22 subjects were divided into two groups, and each group had 11 patients. The intervention was carried out three times a week for 4 weeks. One group applied tape using elastic tape (ETG) while the other group applied tape using non-elastic tape (NETG). The measurement factors were pain, grip strength, and muscle activity. Pain was measured using VAS. Grip strength was measured using a grip dynamometer, and muscle activity was measured using EMG in the affected extensor carpi radialis brevis. Changes in interventions were compared among the groups using a paired t-test. The comparison between groups compared delta values (Changed values) between pre- and post-intervention using an independent t-test. RESULTS: In both groups, there was a statistically significant decrease in VAS. However, there was no statistically significant decrease in the delta value of VAS between ETG and NETG. In both groups, grip strength and muscle activity increased after intervention. There were statistically significant differences in delta values between ETG and NETG. CONCLUSION: Taping is a good intervention method for patients with lateral epicondylitis. Both elastic tape and non-elastic tape were effective. In particular, taping using elastic tape is an effective method for improving muscle function with pain reduction.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.77-87
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• 2010

The present case study highlights the effects of a novel Comprehensive Hand Repetitive Intensive Strengthening Training (CHRIST) on morphological changes and associated upper extremity (UE) muscle strength and motor performance in a child with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy (CP). The Child, a 10-year-old girl with spastic quadriplegic CP, was treated with CHRIST for 60 minutes a day, five times a week, for 5 weeks. The CHRIST was designed to improve motor function and strength. Clinical tests including the modified Wolf Test, Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test, and Pediatric Motor Activity Log questionnaire were used to determine motor function. Ultrasound imaging was performed to determine the changes in the cross-section area (CSA) of the extensor carpi radialis (ECR) and triceps brachii (TRI). Muscle strength was measured with a dynamometer at pretest, and post-test, and 3-month follow-up. Ultrasound imaging data showed that the CSAs of both ECR and TRI muscles were enhanced as a function of the intervention. These changes were associated with muscle strength and motor performance and their effects remained even at a 3-month follow-up test. Our results suggest that the CHRIST was effective at treating muscle atrophy, weakness and motor dysfunction in a child with spastic quadriplegic CP.

• Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.681-686
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• 2010

Although the height of a ramp is an important design element, it has not been considered in prior studies. Therefore, in this study, the ramp slope and height are considered as independent variables. To analyze the effects of the slope and height, five levels of slope (1:6, 1:8, 1:10, 1:12 and 1:14) and three levels of height (15cm, 30cm and 45cm) are considered. For the dependent variables, the total time, velocity and perceived discomfort were considered as usability measures, pulse rate changes and EMG signals of four related muscles (extensor carpi radialis, triceps brachii, anterior deltoid and posterior deltoid) were considered as physiology measures. As a result, differences among usability and physiological characteristic for the five slopes increased as the height increased. Additionally, slope effects were minor when the height was low (15cm). Almost domestic/international regulations and guidelines related to ramp recommended 1:12 slope for the ramp design, however, there was no significant difference between 1:10 and 1:12 according to result of this study. In addition, slope effects were minor at a low height; thus, a slope of 1:8 can be recommended if the installation space for a gentler ramp is not sufficient.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.15-21
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• 2016

Objective: The purpose of this study was to see the changes in muscle activity of the upper limb in persons using a smartphone. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: An experiment was conducted to target 15 right-handed university students. Experiments were carried out for students using cell phones for more than a year. In this study, experiments were carried out with one-handed and both handed operation of smartphone use in a sitting position, the same parameters with smartphone use in a standing position. The experiments were carried out by having the subjects write a text message in Korean on the smartphone for 3 minutes repeated 3 times with a rest period of 10 seconds given between each 3 minute period. Electromyography (EMG) was used to record the muscle activity of the upper trapezius (UT), extensor carpi radialis (ECR), and abductor pollicis (AP) during phone operation. Results: The muscle activity of the AP and ECR were significantly higher during single handed compared to double handed in both sitting and standing position (p<0.05). The muscle activity of the ECR was significantly higher in standing position compared to sitting position with double handed use of the smartphone (p<0.05). UT muscle activity of the right has been activated more than twice compared to the left UT in a sitting position (p<0.05). And UT muscle activity on the right has been activated more than five times compared to the left in a standing position (p<0.05). Conclusions: Using smartphone with double hand is useful for the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.526-534
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• 2022

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare muscle activities of stroke patients and healthy participants during bimanual tasks. Design: A cross sectional study. Methods: A total of 25 participants (13 hemiparetic stroke patients and 12 healthy participants) were recruited. The muscle activities using electromyogram (EMG) during bimanual tasks were collected from the following muscles: extensor carpi radialis longus (ECRL), biceps brachii (BB), and triceps brachii (TB). The bimanual tasks included eight tasks consisted of (1) raising the wrists up and down, (2) supinating and pronating the palms, (3) touching the shoulder with fingertips, (4) drawing vertical dot, (5) reaching for a cup and bring it in to drink, (6) drawing a circle outward and (7) inward, and (8) grasping the fingers. The EMG data collected from the muscles of paretic and non-paretic sides of stroke patients and the average from both sides of healthy subjects were normalized and compared after calculating the percentage of maximal isometric voluntary contraction. Results: The ECRL, BB and TB of the paretic side of the stroke patients showed relatively greater muscle activity compared to the non-paretic side as well asaverage of the healthy subject duringall tasks (p<0.05). In addition, the ECRL showed the highest muscle activity during most of the tasks. All of the non-paretic side musclesfrom stroke patients showed higher muscle activity compared to those of healthy subjects. Conclusions: The current study showed that muscle activities of upper extremity varied between paretic and non-paretic sides of stroke patients during bimanual tasks. Interestingly, the non-paretic side muscle activities were also different from those of normal participants.

• Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea
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• v.32 no.5
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• pp.437-442
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• 2013

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of drive-assisting system in a shower carrier on the upper body muscle activities of caregivers through drivability tests. Background: In care facilities, one of the major ADL (Activities of Daily Living) factors is bathing/showering. Recently, bath/shower-assisting equipment is actively being introduced in care facilities to reduce caregivers' muscle burden. In particular, it is desirable to utilize a shower carrier equipped with drive-assisting system to effectively care for the elderly. However, there were few systematic studies on the relationship between muscle activities and drive-assisting speeds. Method: For the drivability tests to study the effects on the muscle activities according to the drive-assisting speeds(corresponding drive-voltages: 0.0V, 2.0V, 2.1V, 2.3V), 6 females in their 40s($43{\pm}4yrs$, $157{\pm}5cm$, and $54.5{\pm}1.5kg$) were selected. To measure muscle activities of caregivers through drivability tests, 7 muscles in the upper body(TM/Trapezius Muscle, DM/Deltoid Muscle, BBM/Biceps Brachii Muscle, TBM/Triceps Brachii Muscle, ECRLM/Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus Muscle, FCUM/Flexor Carpi Ulnaris Muscle, and ESM/Erector Spinae Muscle) were selected. Results: In the TM, muscle activities were decreased as 21% compared to 0.0V, when drive-voltage 2.0V was applied, as 57% by 2.1V, and 62% by 2.3V(p<0.05), whereas 40%, 56%, and 69% of muscles activities were decreased respectively from the DM(p<0.05). Also, from the UL(BBM+TBM+ECRLM+FCUM), muscle activities were decreased by 17% with 2.0V as against 0.0V, by 47% with 2.1V, and 52% with 2.3V, whereas decreases in muscle activities from the ESM were found by 20%, 34%, and 42% respectively by 2.0V, 2.1V, and 2.3V(p<0.05). Conclusion: The muscle activities were decreased in the order of the DM, TM, ESM, and UL. As muscle activities were remarkably reduced as drive voltage were increased, it was expected to reduce the upper body muscle burden on the caregivers when using shower carriers equipped with driving-assist system. Applications: The results from this study can be applied for the development of a shower carrier including other equipment to possibly reduce the muscle burden of the caregivers.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.119-126
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• 2018

Objective: The objective of this study was to describe the influence of smartphone usage on the upper limb muscles while in stable and unstable positions and during gait. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: The study was conducted with 20 right-handed university students between 20 and 27 years of age. Experiments were carried out on students who have used cell phones for more than a year. In this study, experiments were performed with one-handed and two-handed smartphone operations while on stable ground, and the same parameters were measured during smartphone use on unstable ground and during gait. Subjects were instructed to write a text message in Korean on the smartphone for 3 minutes. This was repeated 3 times, with a rest period of 10 seconds given between each 3-minute period. Electromyography was used to record the muscle activity of the upper trapezius, extensor carpi radialis, extensor pollicis longus, and abductor pollicis (AP) during phone operation. Results: The muscle activity value for the right AP in one-handed and the left-AP in two-handed operations was statistically higher than the other muscles in the stable position and during gait (p<0.0001). Also, the right AP in the one- handed operation condition was statistically higher than the two-handed condition (p<0.0001). Conclusions: The use of smartphones while in a stable position resulted in high muscle activity of the right upper limb AP. However, in an unstable position, there were no significant differences from the other muscle activities. Using smartphone while assuming various positions may lead to musculoskeletal disorders in different places.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.393-401
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• 1998

Based on clinical observations, it is suspected that the bone-tendon origin is the site where piratical failure, leading to pathophysiological changes in the humeral epicondyle after repetitive loading, is initiated Mechanical properties and failure patterns of the common extensor and flexor tendons of the humeral epicondyle under static and repetitive loading have not been well documented. Our goal was to determine mechanical properties of failure strength and strain changes, to correlate strain changes and the number of cyclic repetitions, and to identify the failure pattern of bone-tendon specimens of common extensor and flexor tendons of the humeral epicondyle. Mechnaical properties of human cadaver bone-tendon specimens of the common extensor and flexor tendons of the humeral epicondyle were tested under two different loading rates. No statistically significant difference in ultimate tensile strength was found between male and female specimens or between slow (10 mm/sec) and fast elongation (100 mm/sec) rates. However, a statistically significant difference in ultimate tensile strength between the common extensor (1190.0 N/$cm^2{\pm}$388.8) and flexor 1922.0 N/$cm^2{\pm}$764.4)tendons was found (p<0.05). When loads of 25%, 33%, and 41% of the ultimate tensile strength of their contralateral sides were applied, the number of cycles required to reach 24% strain change for the common extersor and flexor tendons were approximately 8,893, 1,907, and 410, respectively. The relationship between cycles and loads was correlated ($R^2$=0.46) Histological observation showed that complete or partial failure after tensile or cyclic loadings occurred at the transitional zone, which is the uncalcified fibrocartilage zone between tendon and bone of the humeral epicondyle. Sequential histological sections revealed that failure initiated at the upper, medial aspect of the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon origin. Biomechanical and hstological data obtained in this study indicated that the uncalcified fibrocartilage zone at the bone-tendon origin of the common extensor and flexor tendons is the weak anatomical structure of the humeral epicondyle.