• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.215-223
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• 2022

Objective: This study was to resolve the limitations of the experimental environment and to solve the shortcomings of the method of measuring human gait characteristics using optical measuring instruments. Design: A cross-sectional study. Methods: Fifteen healthy adults without a history of orthopedic surgery on the lower extremities for the past 6 months were participated. They were analyzed gait variables using the smart guide and the 3D image analysis at the same time, and their results were compared. Visual-3D was used to calculate the analysis variables. Results: The reliability and validity of the data according to the two measuring instruments were found to be very high; gait speed(0.85), cycle time(0.99), stride time of both feet(0.98, 0.97) stride legnth of both feet(0.86, 0.88) stride per minute of both feet(0.99, 0.96), foot speed of both feet(0.90, 0.91), step time of both feet(0.77, 0.71), step per minute(0.72, 0.74), stance time of both feet(0.96, 0.97), swing time of both feet(0.93, 0.79), double step time(0.81), initial double step time(0.84) and terminal step time(0.76). Conclusions: In the case of the smart insole, which measures human gait variables using the pressure sensor and inertial sensor inserted in the insole, the reliability and validity of the measured data were found to be very high. It can be used as a device to replace 3D image analysis when measuring pathological gait.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.80-86
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• 2022

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of three rotational jump conditions (standing jump, left rotational jump and right rotational jump) on stability through center of pressure (COP) and EMG variables analysis. Method: A total of 16 college students (age: 24.13 ± 7.17 years, height: 169.24 ± 8.23 cm, weight: 65.65 ± 13.88 kg) participated in this study. The study used wireless two COP plates and wireless eight channel EMG. The analyized variables were 11 variables for COP and RMS for EMG, which were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance with repeated measures according to three rotational jump conditions. Results: Among the COP variables, left rotational jump (LRJ) and right rotational jump (RRJ) were larger than standing jump (SJ) for left and right amplitude, area, total displacement, and average velocity for both feet among the variables of COP, and for area of the left foot, RRJ was larger than that of SJ. Among the EMG variables, there was no statistical difference between the muscle activations, but the muscle activity was significantly higher in the order of RRJ, LRJ, and SJ according to direction of rotation. Conclusion: Although the results of COP and EMG were not consistent through this study, it can be expected that the differences in COP was due to the amount of rotation during rotational jump-landing in the left and right directions, and that the EMG is determined by the lateral movements required for rotation.

• Composites Research
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• v.34 no.6
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• pp.400-405
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• 2021

In this study, a composite material frame was designed to increase the energy harvesting efficiency of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) ribbon harvesters which are installed inside smart shoes. In order to minimize the amount of deformation in the load direction of the frame, it was designed using carbon continuous fiber composites and its complex shaped structure was manufactured using a 3D printer. In order to calculate the amount of deformation of the insole and midsole of the shoes under the condition of the load generated during walking, the insole and midsole were modeled using the distributed spring elements. Using finite element analysis, the elongation of ribbon-type harvesters mounted on smart shoes was calculated during walking. It is expected that the predicted elongation of the harvester can be utilized to increase the energy harvesting efficiency of smart shoes.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.579-584
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• 2022

Objective: To identify the effect of unstable surface kettlebell exercises on muscle activity and balance in middle and high school baseball players. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: The participants were 29 middle and high school baseball players (Unstable surface kettlebell exercises group, USKE: 15; Stable surface kettlebell exercise group, SSKE: 14). The players in the USKE group performed kettlebell exercises for 60 mins on a stable surface thrice a week for 6 weeks, and the return rack was solidified on a stable surface in the same way as the experimental group. Before and after the experiment, the participant's muscle activity of the tibialis anterior and soleus was measured. In addition, the participant's balance was evaluated by measuring the distance moved from the foot's center of pressure (COP). The paired t-test was used to compare groups before and after the experiment. The independent t-test was conducted to assess differences in the degree of change between the two groups before and after the experiment. Results: Compared to the SSKE group, the USKE group showed significant differences in the muscle activity of the tibialis anterior and soleus and the balance with the eyes open and closed. Conclusions: The players in the USKE group showed a significant difference in muscle activity and balance than in those in the SSKE group. Thus, effectively including an unstable surface in the kettlebell exercise program will help improve physical function in athletes and people with musculoskeletal disorders.

• The Bulletin of The Korean Astronomical Society
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.55.2-55.2
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• 2019

The firehose instability is driven by a pressure anisotropy in a magnetized plasma when the temperature along the magnetic field is higher than the perpendicular temperature. Such condition occurs commonly in astrophysical and space environments, for instance, when there are beams aligned with the background magnetic field. Recently, it was argued that, in weak quasi-perpendicular shocks in the high-β intracluster medium (ICM), shock-reflected electrons propagating upstream cause the temperature anisotropy. This electron temperature anisotropy can trigger the electron firehose instability (EFI), which excites oblique waves in the shock foot. Scattering of electrons by these waves enables multiple cycles of shock drift acceleration (SDA) in the preshock region, leading to the electron injection to diffusive shock acceleration (DSA). In the study, the kinetic properties of the EFI are examined by the linear stability analysis based on the kinetic Vlasov-Maxwell theory and then further investigated by 2D Particle-in-Cell (PIC) simulations, especially focusing on those in high-β (β~100) plasmas. We then discuss the basic properties of the firehose instability, and the implication of our work on electron acceleration in ICM shock.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.1-11
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• 2023

PURPOSE: This study examined the immediate effects of applying ankle eversion taping using kinesiology tape in chronic stroke patients-design: a randomized cross-over trial. METHODS: Seventeen stroke patients underwent three interventions in random order. The subjects were initially assigned randomly to an ankle eversion taping, placebo taping, or no taping for each intervention. Ankle eversion taping was used for mechanical correction and was involved in ankle dorsiflexion and eversion. The tape was stretched by 30-40%. Placebo tapping was applied in the same form as eversion tapping but was not stretched. The balance ability was assessed using the Y-balance test. The gait ability was assessed by maximum foot pressure and time of stance phase, and gait speed was assessed using a 10 m walk test (10MWT). All measurements were performed immediately after the intervention. RESULTS: The results showed that the dynamic balance and stance phase time in chronic stroke patients was improved after ankle eversion taping. The ankle eversion taping conditions increased significantly (p < .05) compared to the placebo and no taping conditions. CONCLUSION: The application of ankle eversion taping that uses kinesiology tape instantly increased the gait ability of chronic stroke patients. On the other hand, more research will be needed to identify the long-term effects of ankle eversion taping.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.59-66
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• 2022

Purpose: The aim of this research was to verify the relationship between three-dimensional (3D) ground reaction force (GRF) and severity of leg length discrepancy (LLD) while walking at a normal speed. It used a 3D motion analysis system with force platforms in standing workers with LLD. Methods: Subjects comprising 45 standing workers with LLD were selected. Two force platforms were used to acquire 3D GRF data based on a motion analysis system during gait. Vicon Nexus and Visual3D v6 Professional software were used to analyze kinetic GRF data. The subjects were asked to walk on a walkway with 40 infrared reflective markers attached to their lower extremities to collect 3D GRF data. Results: The results indicated the maximal force in the posterior and lateral direction of the long limb occurring in the early stance phase during gait had significant positive correlation with LLD severity (r = 0.664~0.738, p <0.01). In addition, the maximal force medial direction of the long limb occurring in the late stance phase showed a highly positive correlation with the LLD measurement (r = 0.527, p <0.01). Conclusion: Our results indicate that greater measured LLD severity results in more plantar pressure occurring in the foot area during heel contact to loading response of the stance phase and the stance push-off period during gait.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.19 no.11
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• pp.1568-1574
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• 2009

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether group III muscle afferents play an important role eliciting abnormal blood pressure response mediated during passive muscle stretch in prehypertensive individuals. Eleven middle-aged prehypertensive men (average BP 133/80 mmHg) and nine middle-aged normotensive men (average BP 119/74 mmHg) participated in this study. After 1 min rest baseline data collection, the subject's foot was flexed (dorsiflexion) by an automated cybex for one minute. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), heart rate, stroke volume, cardiac output, and total peripheral resistance were continuously measured on a beat-by-beat basis from a finger via a Finapres device for 1 minute. To evaluate the role of mechanoreflex, a component of exercise pressor reflex, SBP, DBP, and MAP responses over the course of time were examined. The results showed that the pressor response mediated by the muscle mechanoreflex was faster in prehypertensive individuals compared to the normotensive individuals. The substantial pressor response was observed within mean 20 sec of the onset of passive stretch in prehypertension, while mean 45 sec in normotension (p<0.05). It is concluded that excessive pressor response produced during exercise in prehypertension may be due to the dysfunction of the mechano-receptors.

• Journal of Convergence for Information Technology
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• v.9 no.8
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• pp.140-147
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• 2019

The purpose of this study is to find biomechanical parameters for optimal shoes production through an ergonomic usability assessment of five existing types of shoes preferred by B-BOY. Ten experts and ten non-experts participated in the experiment, and 12 infrared cameras (Qualis, Oqus), force plate (Kistler, 9286AA) and foot pressure plate (Zebris Gmbh, Zebris PDM-System) were used to obtain the data. The results of the study are as follows. First, P shoes with a friction coefficient of 0.38 and a free moment of 0.32 N/m/kg are desirable in terms of traction capability and safety. Second, on the cushion, it was found that the N shoes 2.51 N, sec/kg and non-expert, and 2.86 N and sec/kg were suitable. Third, it is deemed appropriate for C shoes with a forefoot average pressure of 10.11 KPa (right), 10.05 KPa (left), and V shoes with a rearfoot average pressure of 8.4 KPa (right) and 8.36 KPa (left). In conclusion, the combination of the structure and material of V shoes should be developed for traction and stability, N shoes for cushion, and walking balance for C and V shoes.

• Journal of Korea Entertainment Industry Association
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.207-215
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• 2019

This study examines the effect of the height of cane that hemiplegic patients due to stroke use on their plantar pressure in standing position, gait speed. The study suggests a new standard for appropriate cane height that considers the change of average height of population. Research subjects included 12 patients hospitalized in S Medical Care Hospital located in Gwangju Metropolitan City in South Korea who were diagnosed with stroke. Group A uses a cane of the height of the greater trochanter of femur, group B uses a cane of 5cm above the height of the greater trochanter of femur, and group C is a cane of 10cm above the height of the greater trochanter of femur. In the study result, non-affected side plantar pressure and affected side plantar pressure showed a significant difference among the cases where the cane height was the same as the A group, B group, C group. In the post-hoc analysis result, a significant difference was observed between the case of A group and C group. Gait speed showed no significant difference among the case of the A group, B group, C group. The asymmetry of the stroke affects not only the posture but also the walking that is related to daily life. Changes in the height of the cane did not affect walking speed. The change in the height of the cane showed a change in the weight support ratio, which is thought to have a positive effect on the asymmetry. In future clinical setting, this study result will be able to provide fundamental data regarding the cane height in the standing or walking therapy for hemiplegic patients due to stroke with cane application.