• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.8-15
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• 2009

Grip strength is an objective indicator for evaluating the functional movement of upper extremities. Therapists have been using it for a long time as an excellent barometer for evaluating the therapy process, therapeutic effects and prognosis of patients with injuries in upper extremities. This study investigated the effects of extensor pattern position and elastic taping of non-dominant hand on the grip strength of dominant hand among general adults. The subjects of this study were 23 males and 7 females from physical therapy departments of 3 Universities located in Busan who agreed to participate in the experiment and the resultant data were analyzed using SPSS version 12.0. The results of the study were as follows. First, there was a significant difference between the grip strength of dominant hand when the non-dominant hand was at the neutral position and that when the non-dominant hand was at the extensor pattern position and both hands were at the maximum strength simultaneously (Bonferroni-corrected p<.001). Second, there was a significant difference between the grip strength of dominant hand when the non-dominant hand was at the neutral position and that when the elastic taping of non-dominant hand was applied (Bonferroni-corrected p<.001). Third, there was no significant difference between the grip strength of dominant hand when the non-dominant hand was at the extensor pattern position and both hands were at the maximum strength simultaneously and that when the elastic taping of non-dominant hand was applied. The irradiation effects through the extensor pattern position of non-dominant hand and application of the elastic taping to non-dominant hand showed significant results in improving the maximum grip strength of dominant hand. This finding could be suggested as the probability for the indirect treatment of the upper extremities of hemiplegia and orthopedic patients due to the long-term fixing of upper extremities.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.57-63
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• 2009

Purpose: We determined the recruitment pattern of lumbar elector spinalis, gluteus maxims, inner and outer hamstring muscle during trunk flexion and extension. Methods: Thirty healthy subjects(male; 15, female; 15) without low back pain and other problems in lower extremities participated in this study. To measure the recruitment pattern, the onset times of electromyographic activity of the muscles were recorded during trunk flexion and return(extension) to standing position. Results: The medial and lateral hamstring muscle was activated first, next elector spinalis, the last, gluteus maximus in trunk flexion. In trunk extension to standing position, the order of recruitment was similar to trunk flexion although the frequency is different. There were different between male and female in flexion and extension movement. Conclusion: The recruitment order of lumbar extensor and hip extensors in trunk flexion and extension will provide database in evaluation and intervention of lower back pain and lumbo.pelvic rhythm disorder.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.111-117
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• 2013

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to examine the activity of the knee flexor and extensor with ankle plantar flexion and dorsiflexion. Methods : A total of 18 subjects(Male 6, female 12) performed 4 lower extremity patterns of PNF and the activities of the vastus medialis oblique, rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, biceps femoris, semitendinosus ipsilateral sides were measured using electromyography. Results : During 4 lower extremity patterns of PNF, knee flexor and extensor muscle activity were significantly difference. Knee extensors were shown to be higher knee extension and ankle dorsiflexion combined pattern. Knee flexors were shown to be higher knee flexion and ankle plantarflexion combined pattern. Conclusion : We suggest that it is efficient to strengthening of knee extensors with ankle dorsiflexion and to strengthening of knee flexors with ankle plantar flexion. Also, for the functioning as toe standing, we have to choice appropriate movement pattern.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.321-329
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• 2022

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the immediate effect on the change in muscle stiffness in the common extensor muscle (CEM) when using the spiral taping method to promote proprioception. Methods: There were 18 participants in this study. CEM stiffness was measured using a MyotonePRO device with the subject in a sitting position and according to the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) arm pattern. Elastic tape was used as the material for the three taping methods employed in the study: kinesiotaping (KT), right spiral taping (RST), and left spiral taping (LST). The taping methods were applied to the wrist extensor muscle with elongation position. Additionally, when performing PNF arm patterns, spiral taping in diagonal and spiral directions was used to promote CEM proprioceptors. The change in CEM stiffness was compared with the initial data values. Results: The results of this study were obtained by comparing and measuring changes in CEM stiffness using three different tapings. It was found that the stiffness change of the CEM was significant compared to the initial value, and the increase in stiffness of the CEM after RST application was also significant. Conclusion: The results of this study show that by affecting the strength and activation of the extensor muscle, taping performed through the RST method had the most positive effect on the change in CEM stiffness.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.97-106
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• 2020

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the most effective way to facilitate the abductor hallucis muscle during PNF leg pattern-emphasized hallux abduction. Methods: The study recruited 18 healthy adults. All participants agreed voluntarily to take part in the study following an explanations of its purpose and procedures. They randomly performed the PNF leg pattern-emphasized hallux abduction variations in a hook-lying or sitting position. Activation of the abductor hallucis (AbH), adductor hallucis (AdH), extensor hallucis longus (EHL), and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles, and the ratio of AbH/AdH, were measured during PNF exercises using electromyography. One-way repeated ANOVA was used to compare the activation of foot intrinsic and extrinsic muscles during the four PNF exercises. Results: PNF leg pattern-emphasized hallux abduction using normal timing was significantly higher in TA compared to PNF leg pattern-emphasized hallux abduction using timing for emphasis, regardless of the starting position. The PNF leg pattern-emphasized hallux abduction using timing for emphasis in the hook-lying position was significantly higher in AbH than in other exercises. Although there was no statistically significant difference in the ratio of AbH/AdH, it was higher in the hook-lying position. Conclusion: PNF leg pattern-emphasized hallux abduction using timing for emphasis in the hook-lying position can be recommended as a method to optimize the activation of AbH and the ratio of AbH/AdH.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.75-83
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• 2008

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between joint moment and joint position angle according to the different walking speeds. According to the different walking speeds(1.5m/s, 1.8m/s, 2.1m/s), experiments were terminated by 8 male subjects. In conclusion, 1. The peak extensor moment of knee joint increased by increasing walking speed, however, walking speed didn't have an effect on peak flexor and abductor moment of knee joint. 2. The position angle of knee joint increased movement of flexion, but other position angles of knee joint didn't have difference when the peak extensor moment generated. 3. The peak joint moment of hip significantly increased in extension, flexion and abduction by increased walking speed. 4. The hip position angle showed more flexible at the hip peak flexor/extensor moment generated. 5. The co-ordination pattern between peak knee joint moment and knee position angle were mathematically modeled by using a least square method. We could get the high level value of R2. We expect to apply this results for evaluating the physical faculty of knee joint.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.3 no.3
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• pp.32-43
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• 1996

The purpose of this case study was to introduce functional electrical stimulation(FES) for paraplegic patients. FES provides the ability to rise from sitting to standing, maintenance of a standing position, and the ability to walk with a reciprocal gait. Six channels of electrical stimulation are sufficient for synthesis of a simple reciprocal gait pattern in these patients. During the double-stance phase, knee extensor muscles of both knees are stimulated, providing sufficient support for the body. Only one knee extensor muscle group is excited during the single-stance phase. The swing phase of the contralateral lower extremity is accomplished by eliciting the synergic flexor muscle response through electrical stimulation of afferent nerves. The transition from the double-stance phase to the swing phase is controlled by two hand switches used by the therapist or built into the handles of the walking frame for using by the patient. A twenty-five years old male was with a T9/T9 spinal cord injury due to a traffic accident and admitted to Yonsei Rehabilitation Hospital for comprehensive treatment. After 30 days of training using the Parastep(R) he was able to stand for 10 minutes. After 43 days, he was able to walk and at discharged he could walk for 100 meters.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.1-10
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• 2015

The common features of walking in patients with stroke include decreased gait velocity and increased asymmetrical gait pattern. The purpose of this study was to identify important factors related to impairments in gait velocity and asymmetry in chronic stroke patients. The subjects were 30 independently ambulating subjects with chronic stroke. The subjects' impairments were examined, including the isokinetic peak torque of knee extensors, knee flexors, ankle plantarflexors, and ankle dorsiflexors. Passive and active ranges of motion (ROM) of the ankle joint, ankle plantarflexor spasticity, joint position senses of the knee and ankle joint, and balance were examined together. In addition, gait velocity and temporal and spatial asymmetry were evaluated with subjects walking at their comfortable speed. Pearson correlations and multiple regressions were used to measure the relationships between impairments and gait speed and impairments and asymmetry. Regression analyses revealed that ankle passive ROM and peak torque of knee flexors were important factors for gait velocity ($R^2=.41$), while ankle passive ROM was the most important determinant for temporal asymmetry ($R^2=.35$). In addition, knee extensor peak torque was the most significant factor for gait spatial asymmetry ($R^2=.17$). Limitation in ankle passive ROM and weakness of the knee flexor were major contributors to slow gait velocity. Moreover, limited passive ROM in the ankle influenced the level of temporal gait asymmetry in chronic stroke patients. Our findings suggest that stroke rehabilitation programs aiming to improve gait velocity and temporal asymmetry should include stretching exercise for the ankle joint.