• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.347-357
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• 2009

The purpose of this study was to compare EMG and GRF during a free throw. Seven pairs of surface electrodes were attached to the right-hand side of the body to monitor the flexor carpi radialis (FC), extensor carpi radialis longus (EC), biceps brachii (BB), triceps brachii (TB), rectus femoris (RF), tibialis anterior (TA) and medial gastrocnemius (GM). GRF data from two force platform were collected during a free throw. The results showed that the muscle activities in the unskilled group must be highly activated prior to the moment of release. This means that a skilled participant can shoot a free throw more efficiently while producing less muscle activeness than an unskilled participant. The DCP of unskilled group in the medio-lateral direction were greater than the corresponding values in skilled group. This showed that the unskilled group were not able to shoot the free throws stably. Thus, when a teacher or instructor teaches students how to shoot free throw, it is considered that the teacher show the learner how to use not only the upper limbs but also lower limbs on the basis of the efficent connecting movement and the flexibility in a stable procedure.

• Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.2012-2020
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• 2020

Background: Multifaceted approaches will be needed, such as global synkinesis (GS) achieve functional improvements in the arms of stroke patients from involuntary movements during exercise. Objective: To identify changes in arm GS and muscle activity, functional evaluation and the correlation with variables through action observation training, combined with functional electrical stimulation (FES), thereby verifying the effect on stroke patients. Design: A quasi-experimental study. Methods: The subjects of this study were 20 stroke patients who were divided into two groups: Control group (n=10) and experimental group (n=10). Before the intervention, arm GS and muscle activity were measured using surface electromyography (EMG), and arm function was evaluated using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) scale. At the end of the intervention, which lasted 4-wk, arm GS and muscle activity were measured again using the same scale. Results: There was a decrease statistically significant difference in GS during the bending action in experimental group (P<.01). Both groups showed a significant difference increased only in the activity of the anterior deltoid (AD) and biceps brachii (BB) (P<.05). The results of the arm functional assessment revealed a significant difference increase in both groups (P<.05). In the between-group comparison, there was a significant difference decrease in GS during the bending action (P<.05). Only the muscle activity of the AD and BB were significantly increase different (P<.05). There was a significant between-group difference increase in the arm functional assessment (P<.05). There was a positive correlation between GS and muscle activity on the FMA in the control group (r=.678, P<.05). In experimental group, GS during the bending arm action exhibited a negative correlation (r=-.749, P<.05), and the muscle activity of the AD and BB showed a positive correlation (r=.701, P<.05). Furthermore, in experimental group, the activity of the extensor carpi radialis increased, and the activity of the flexor carpi radialis decreased, which exhibited a negative correlation (r=-.708, P<.05). Conclusion: These results suggest that brain plasticity could be more efficiently stimulated by combining surface stimulation in the affected arm of stroke patients.

• 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.

• Horticultural Science & Technology
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• v.34 no.6
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• pp.940-958
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• 2016

The objective of this study was to analyze the kinematic and kinetic characteristics of two horticultural activities: seed sowing and planting plant. Thirty-one male university students (aged $26.2{\pm}2.0years$) participated in this study. Kinematic factors (movement times, peak velocity, joint angles, and grasp patterns) were assessed using a three-dimensional motion analysis system while the subjects performed the horticultural activities. Kinetic factors (muscle activation of eight upper-limb muscles: the anterior deltoid, serratus anterior, upper trapezius, infraspinatus, latissimus dorsi, biceps brachii, brachioradialis, and flexor carpi radialis) were assessed using surface electromyography. The acts of seed sowing and planting plant were comprised of five tasks which included six types of phases: reaching, grasping, back transporting, forward transporting, watering, and releasing. The movement times, peak velocity, joint angles, and grasp patterns were significantly different across the tasks involved in the horticultural activities. All eight muscles of the upper limbs were utilized during the horticultural activities, and the muscle activation of the serratus anterior was the highest compared to that of the other muscles tested. The kinematic and kinetic characteristics of these horticultural activities showed similar characteristics to reaching and grasping rehabilitation training and daily living activities. The present study provides reference data for common horticultural activities using a kinematic and kinetic analysis.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.161-170
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• 2014

PURPOSE: This study concerns the wheelchair-based rehabilitation of elderly people, investigating muscle activity and coordination of upper limbs during wheelchair-based new millennium health gymnastics with varying elbow exercise velocity. METHODS: Twelve elderly people participated in new millennium gymnastics twice per week during 12-weeks. The group was separated into 0.4, 1.0, and 1.6 Hz groups (controlled by the metronome speed). Range of motion was measured by electrogoniometer, electromyography signals used root mean square values. The data application was normalized using reference voluntary contraction (%RVC). Upper limb (wrist and elbow joint) data gathered while standing up after the "falling on hips" was investigated in terms of coordination of angle-angle plots. One-way ANOVA, paired t-test and Scheffe's post hoc comparisons, were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: There were results taken before and after the experiments. The results demonstrated a significant improvement in the triceps brachii and flexor carpi radialis of the 0.4 Hz group (p<.05). There was significant difference in the triceps brachi of the 1 Hz group. No significant differences were found in all muscles of the 1.6 Hz group. Muscle co-activation indexes of the 0.4 Hz group were larger than the others. The 0.4 Hz graph was turning point synchronized clockwise. The 1 Hz graph was out of phase with the negative slope. The 1.6 Hz graph was turning point synchronized counterclockwise, and uncontrolled factor phase was offset on angle-angle plots. CONCLUSION: It is found that improvement of muscle activity and upper limbs coordination of elderly people using wheelchair-based new millennium gymnastics is optimal with elbow exercise velocity with a frequency of 0.4 Hz.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.48 no.6
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• pp.635-640
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• 2021

Background Injuries to the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint are common and complex. However, the treatment of osteochondral defects of the head of the proximal phalanx has rarely been described. Herein, we propose a new technique for the management of unicondylar defects of the proximal phalanx that can restore joint amplitudes and provide PIP stability. Methods In this cadaveric feasibility study, unicondylar defects were generated using striking wedges and chisels. First, a transverse tunnel measuring 2 mm in diameter passing through the head of the proximal phalanx was made. A second tunnel at the base of the middle phalanx with the same diameter was then created. The hemitendon of the flexor carpi radialis graft was passed through each of these tunnels. The proximal end of the graft was interposed in the area with a loss of bone substance. The ligamentoplasty was then tensed and fixed by two anchors on the proximal phalanx. Joint amplitudes and frontal stability were measured preoperatively and postoperatively. Results There was no significant change in the joint's range of motion: preoperatively, the mean mobility arcs were -2° to 113.80°, and they were -2° to 110° after the procedure (P=0.999). There was no significant difference in joint stability (P>0.05). Conclusions Ligamentoplasty with PIP interposition appears to be a possible solution for the management of unicondylar defects of the proximal phalanx. An evaluation of clinical results is planned in order to definitively confirm the validity of this procedure.

• 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.

• 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.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.111-122
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• 1997

H-reflex is a kind of late respons which can be used for the proximal nerve conduction study. Also it is a useful and widely used nerve conduction technique es to look electrically at the monosynaptic reflex. Although recordable from all muscles theoretically, H-reflexes are most commonly recorded from the calf muscles following stimulation of the tibial nerve in the popliteal fossa. But in this study, We tried to establish the normal data and to evaluate the significance of the H-reflex study in cervical radiculopathy. H-reflexes were recorded from flexor carpi radialis (FCR) muscle, extensor carpi radialis (ECR) muscle, brachioradialis (BR) muscle, and abductor digiti minimi (ADM) muscle in 31 normal adults (62 cases) and 12 patients with cervical radiculopathy. The mean values of H-reflex latency in normal control group were $16.16{\pm}1.65$ msec in FCR; $15.99{\pm}1.25$ msec in ECR; $16.47{\pm}1.59$ msec in BR; $24.46{\pm}1.42$ msec in ADM. And the mean values of side to side difference of H-reflex latency were $0.47{\pm}0.48$ msec in FCR; $0.68{\pm}0.72$ msec in ECR; $0.63{\pm}0.43$ msec in BR; $22.31{\pm}1.24$ msec in ADM. Mean values of side to side differences of interlatency time were $0.49{\pm}0.47$ msec in FCR; $0.73{\pm}0.62$ msec in ECR; $0.79{\pm}0.71$ msec in BR; $0.69{\pm}0.44$ msec in ADM. Also, there were no significant differences in H-reflex latency between right and left side. H-reflex tests in patient group with cervical radiculopathy revealed abnormal findings in 11 out of 12 patients. These results suggest that H-reflex in the upper extremity would be helpful in the diagnosis of the cervical radiculopathy.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.92-100
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• 2006

Radial forearm free flap (RFFF) has been established itself as a versatile and widely used method for reconstruction of the head and neck, although it is still criticized for high mortality of donor site. Delayed wound healing, cosmetic deformity, vascular compromise and potentially reduced wrist function have many plastic surgeons hesitate to adapt it as a first choice in micro-reconstruction. To overcome these drawbacks, some techniques for donor-site repair such as V-Y advancement with full thickness skin graft (FTSG), application of artificial dermis ($Terudermis^{(R)}$) or acellular dermal matrix ($AlloDerm^{(R)}$), and double-opposing rhomboid transposition flap have been reported. Authors performed 4 cases of RFFF in old-aged patients of the head and neck cancer from April 2005 to February 2006. We compared the outcomes of donor site of RFFF which were resurfaced with split thickness skin graft (STSG) only and STSG overlying an $AlloDerm^{(R)}$. Patients were all males ranging from 59 to 74 years old (mean, 67.5). Three of them had tongue cancers, and the other showed hypopharyngeal cancer. All cases were pathologically confirmed as squamous cell carcinomas. We included the deep fascia into the flap, so called subfascially elevated RFFF in three cases, and in the other one, we dissected the RFFF suprafascially leaving the fascia intact. The donor site of the suprafascially elevated RFFF was resurfaced with STSG only. Among three of subfascially elevated RFFFs, donor-sites were covered with thin STSG only in one case, and STSG overlying $AlloDerm^{(R)}$ in two cases. All RFFFs were survived completely without any complication. The donor site of the suprafascially elevated RFFF was taken well with STSG only. But, the partial graft loss exposing brachioradialis and flexor carpi radialis muscle was unavoidable in all the subfascially elevated RFFFs irregardless of $AlloDerm^{(R)}$ application. Considering that many patients of the head and neck cancer are in old ages, we believe the RFFF is still a useful and versatile choice for resurfacing the head and neck region after cancer ablation. Its reliability and functional characteristics could override its criticism for donor site in old-aged cancer patients.