• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.484-492
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• 2006

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a rehabilitation nursing program(RNP) for persons with disabilities. Method: a quasi-experimental pretest and post test study was used to examine the changes of patient's muscle strength, flexibility, self efficacy and health related quality of life at the completion of an 8-week education and physical exercise with a Thera-Band and Exercise Ball course. The subjects consisted of 40 adults who were disabled. Twenty-two experimental and 18 control subjects completed pre and post-test measures. Outcome variables were flexibility, hand grip, elbow flexor and extensor, knee flexor and extensor, self efficacy and quality of life. Independent t-test and ANCOVA were used to examine group differences by using SPSS 12.0 Result: Mean comparisons of the change scores revealed that the experimental group increased significantly in knee extremity flexor(p=0.035), extensor(p=0.039), flexibility(p=0.008), self efficacy(p=0.000), and quality of life(p=0.000). No significant group differences were found in each patient's hand grip, elbow flexor and extensor. Conclusion: RNP can improve lower extremity flexibility, muscle strength, self efficacy and health related quality of life in people with disabilities. The intervention to tailor exercise and education to the unique needs of the disability was suggested for further study.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.1 no.3
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• pp.9-17
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• 2013

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of transverse abdominal exercise on the change of chronic low back pain and lumbar muscle strength. Method : 18 chronic lumbago patients were transverse abdominal exercise for 3weeks. Result : 1. The strength of the lumbar extensor and flexor of the male subjects was increased significantly after abdominal exercise(p<0.05). 2. The strength of the lumbar extensor and flexor of the female subjects was increased significantly after abdominal exercise(p<0.05). 3. The study can confirm significant relationship between the lumbar muscle strength and lumbar pain before and after the exercise Conclusion : The study of could find the increase of the ability of the lumbar extensor and flexor of both male and female subjects suffering from chronic low back and pain using three-week transverse abdominal exercise. The study confirmed the general decrease of pain after the experiment.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.136-144
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• 2002

The Purpose of this study was to compare the lumbar strength and lumbar flexor/extensor ratio between spondylolisthesis and herniated disc patients. The patients who had a subacute low back pain have been proved to each disease through MRI and we measured the maximal isometric strength of all patients(28) through MedX lumbar extension machine(Ocala, FL). In all patients, males had higher lumbar extensor strength than that of females. Especially, the spondylolisthesis patients had lower lumbar extensor strength than that of herniated disc patients. The statistical significant(p<.05, p<.01) differences were manifested in $48^{\circ},\;60^{\circ}\;and\;72^{\circ}$ between male groups. Also the statistical significant (p<.05) differences were manifested in $60^{\circ}\;and\;72^{\circ}$between female groups. In the lumbar flexor/ extensor ratio, the males of spondylolisthesis groups represented the functional weakness in the flexed portion of the range of motion, and the females of spondylolisthesis and the all patients of herniated disc represented the functional weakness in the extended portion of the range of motion. In conclusion, we may propose the program such that the spondylolisthesis males must increase the ratio of extended portion exercise, and the spondylolisthesis females and herniated disc patients must increase the ratio of flexed portion exercise.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.49-55
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• 2013

Purpose: This study was conducted in order to analyze the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation lower extremity pattern on muscular strength and flexibility in an aquatic environment. Methods: Ten members of the experimental group and 10 members of the control group were randomly selected from 20 college students who are in their 20s. Bilateral symmetry pattern among proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation lower extremity patterns was applied in an aquatic environment in the experimental group three times per week for a period of six weeks, and a set consisted of 10 times, which was repeated 10 times. On the other hand, subjects in the control group did not receive any treatment while maintaining daily life. Muscular strength was measured using a dynamometer and electromyogram system for maximum voluntary isometric contraction of hip flexor, hip extensor, knee flexor, and knee extensor. Cervical flexibility was measured using cervical range of motion instrument for cervical flexion, rotation, and lateral flexion. Lumbar flexibility was measured using back range of motion instrument II for lumbar flexion. Results: For the experimental group, significance was observed for hip flexor, extensor, knee flexor, extensor, cervical flexion, rotation, lateral flexion, and lumbar flexion. For the control group, no significance was observed for any other variables except for cervical flexion. As a result of observation of difference between the two groups, relatively high significance was observed in the experimental group, compared with the control group. Conclusion: In conclusion, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation lower extremity pattern had a positive effect on muscular strength and flexibility in an aquatic environment.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.377-396
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• 2000

After warming-up exercise for 20 minutes, Isokinetic measurement of trunk strength for flexor and extensor was done by using Cybex 6000 TEF Unit on 91 healthy male white workers from 22years old to 49 years old, and compared each other. 20 repetitions of trunk extension-flexion were done at $120^{\circ}$/sec angular velocity. After resting for 1 minutes, Four repetitions at two different angular velocities($60^{\circ}$/sec, $120^{\circ}$/sec) were done with 30 seconds of resting interval between each angular velocity. The purpose of this study is to obtain the isokinetic normative strength values for trunk extensors and flexors, and is to know the correlation between age, height, weight of subjects and data from isokinetic trunk strength measurement, and is to provide a guideline for exercise program of male white collar workers The collected data were analyzed by ANOVA, Duncan's Multiple Range Test, and Pearson correlation coefficiency in PC-SAS program. The results obtained were as follow; 1. There is significant positive-correlation with the statistic value between weight and peak torque of trunk muscles at two different angular velocities($60^{\circ}$/sec, $120^{\circ}$/sec)(p<01), between height and peak torque of trunk muscles at two different angular velocities($60^{\circ}$/sec, $120^{\circ}$/sec) except peak torque of trunk flexor at $60^{\circ}$/sec(p<01). 2. There is nagitive-correlation between age and peak torque of trunk muscles at two different angular velocities($60^{\circ}$/sec, $120^{\circ}$/sec), there is significant differences with statistic value between age and peak torque of trunk extensor at $120^{\circ}$/sec(p<.01). 3. Mean peak torque and mean peak torque % by body weight of trunk extensor is 1.1 times higher values than trunk flexor at $60^{\circ}$/sec. 4. There is the increase in peak torque angle of trunk flexor with increasing of age, and the decrease in peak torque angle of trunk flexor with increasing of age at two different angular velocities($60^{\circ}$/sec, $120^{\circ}$/sec). there is significant differences with statistic value in peak torque angle of trunk flexor at $120^{\circ}$/sec(p<.01). 5. There is significant decrease in endurance ratio of trunk extensor with increasing of age at $120^{\circ}$/sec(p<.01). In conclusion, peak torque of trunk extensor is 1.1 times higher values than trunk flexor in healthy male white collar workers.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.265-270
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• 2017

Purpose: This study examined the effects of neck stabilization exercises with vibratory stimulation on the neck disability index and thickness of the deep neck flexor. Methods: Thirty subjects (control group=15, experimental group=15) with mild neck pain were enrolled in the study. The control group underwent craniocervical flexion exercise (control group, CG) and the experimental group was given craniocervical flexion exercise with vibratory stimulus (experimental group, EG) (3 sets, 3 times per week for 6 weeks). To examine the effects of exercise, the subjects were evaluated using the neck disability index (NDI), the thickness of the deep neck flexor muscle, and muscle strength. An independent and paired t-test were used to compare the effects of the exercise between the groups. Results: The NDI score of the two groups increased significantly after 6 weeks of treatment (p<0.001) and there was a significant difference between the EG group at 3 weeks (p<0.05) and 6 weeks (p<0.01). The thickness of the deep neck flexor in the CG group increased significantly after 6 weeks of treatment in all pressure stages (p<0.001). The EG group showed a significant increase after 3 and 6 weeks of treatment in all pressure stage (p<0.001), and 22 mmHg, a significant difference between 3 and 6 weeks (p<0.05) and among 24, 28, and 30 mmHg at 6 weeks (p<0.05). The maximum muscle strength of the deep neck flexion muscles increased significantly in the two groups after 6 weeks of treatment (p<0.001) and there was significant difference between the EG group at 6 weeks (p<0.01). Conclusion: Craniocervical flexion exercise with vibratory stimulus decreases the NDI, and increases the thickness of the deep neck flexor and maximum muscle strength of the deep neck flexion muscles in patients with mild neck pain.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.194-201
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• 2023

Background: Falls are a common and serious problem in the elderly population. Muscle strength and balance are important factors in the prevention of falls. The Y-balance test (YBT) is used to assess dynamic postural control and shows excellent test-retest reliability. However, no studies have examined the relationship between lower-limb strength and YBT scores in elderly women. Objects: This study aimed to examine the relationship between lower-limb strength and YBT scores in elderly women. Methods: Thirty community-dwelling elderly women participated in the study. Lower-limb strength including hip flexor, hip extensor, hip abductor (HAB), hip adductor (HAD), knee flexor, knee extensor, ankle dorsiflexor, and ankle plantar flexor (PF) muscles was examined using a smart KEMA strength sensor (KOREATECH Inc.), and the YBT was used to assess dynamic balance. Relationship between lower-limb strength and YBT was demonstrated using a Pearson's correlation coefficient. Results: HAB strength (r = 0.388, p < 0.05), HAD strength (r = 0.362, p < 0.05), and ankle PF strength (r = 0.391, p < 0.05) positively correlated with the YBT-anterior direction distance. Ankle PF strength was positively correlated with the YBT-posteromedial direction distance (r = 0.396, p < 0.05) and composite score (r = 0.376, p < 0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that HAB, HAD, and ankle PF strengths should be considered for dynamic postural control in elderly women.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.113-118
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• 2022

Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the effect of heel-raise-lower exercise on spasticity, strength, and gait speed after the application of tapingin patients with stroke. Design: Randomized controlled study Methods: The participants were randomly divided into the heel raise-lower exercise+taping (HREx+T) group and the heel raise-lower exercise (HREx) group, with 20 participants assigned to each group. Both groups performed heel lifting exercise 100 times a day 5 times a week for 6 weeks. HREx+T group additionally applied taping to the plantar flexor muscles. The spasticity of the ankle plantar flexors was measured using the composite spasticity score. A handheld dynamometer and a 10-m walk test were used to measure plantar flexor strength and gait speed, respectively. Results: Spasticity was significantly more improved in the HREx+T group than in the HREx group (p<0.05). Similarly, plantar flexor strength was significantly more improved in the HREx+T group than in the HREx group (p<0.05). Moreover, participants assigned to the HREx+T group showed significantly greater improvement in gait speed than those in the HREx group(p<0.05). Conclusions: Thus, heel-raise-lower training combined with taping may be used to improve the spasticity, muscle strength and gait speed in stroke patients.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.967-976
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• 2001

The purpose of the present study was to the investigate the effect of aging in men and women on muscle strength of knee extensor and flexors by using the cybex 6000 isokinetic dynamometer. A total of 100 volunteers participated in this study and were divided into five groups according to their chronological age as follows: 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 10 men and 10 women in each decade respectively. Isokinetic ($60^{\circ}{\cdot}s-l$) knee extensor and flexor peak torque, peak torque to body weight ratio, opposing muscles(flexor/extensor) peak torque ratio, deficit of peak torque between dominant and non-dominant were measured. The results obtained were as follows: 1) In men, While the aged increased. the peak torque of the knee flexor and extensor statistically sig nificant decreased in the dominant and non-dominant side. 2) In women, Statistically significant difference of knee extensor peak torque was found as the aged increased in the dominant and non-dominant side, but significant difference of knee flexor peak torque did not that. 3) In men, No significant difference in the peak torque of knee flexor to body weight ratio was found as the aged increased in the non-dominant side, but statistically significant difference in the peak torque of knee flexor to body weight weight ratio was found as the aged increased in the dominant side. 4) In women. No significant difference in the peak torque of knee flexor to body weight ratio was found as the aged increased in the dominant side, but statistically significant difference in the peak torque of knee flexor to body weight ratio was found as the aged increased in the non-dominant side. 5) In men and women, While the aged increased, statistically significant difference was found the dominant and non-dominant side in the peak torque of knee extensor to body weight ratio. 6) Peak torque of hamstring to quadriceps ratio of dominant and non-dominant side in men and women were not significantly different as the age increases. 7) Mean deficit of peak torque between dominant and non-dominant side in men and women were not significantly different as the age increases. From these results we conclude a proper exercise program is need before 50s decade to preserve in muscle strength of knee flexors and extensors.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.21-30
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• 2021

Background: This study aimed to investigate the effects of muscle energy technique (MET) and instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) on knee extension ROM, knee extensor/flexor strength and muscle thickness immediately and after 24 hours. Methods: A total of 30 subjects participated in this study. The participants were assigned to either MET (n=15) or IASTM (n=15). 90-90 straight leg raise, knee extensor/flexor muscle strength, muscle thickness test were measured before, immediately after and 24 hours after the intervention. Results: Both groups significantly improved knee extension ROM on immediate (MET 10.7°, IASTM 10.21° increased) and after 24 hours assessment (MET 5.61°, IASTM 5.47° increased)(p<.05). In the MET group, knee extension and flexion muscle strength increased immediately after intervention (p<.05). In the IASTM group, knee extension muscle strength increased and knee flexor muscle strength decreased immediately after intervention (p<.05). Furthermore, both groups showed a pattern of returning to the initial strength after 24 hours. In both groups, no significant difference in muscle thickness immediately and after 24 hours was observed (p>.05). Conclusion: According to the results of the present study, MET and IASTM technique showed lasting effectiveness in flexibility of shortened hamstring immediately after and in 24 hours after the intervention. In both groups, MET increased muscle strength and increased ROM, while IASTM decreased muscle strength and increased ROM, with no change in muscle thickness.