• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.177-195
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• 2005

The purpose of this study was to analyze the kinematic variables of ankle joints and EMG signal of the lower limbs muscle activity for the different walking speed. The subjects were 6 males of twenties. It was classified into three different walking speed-0.75m/s, 1.25m/s, 1.75m/s. The walking performances were filmed by high speed video camera and EMG signal was gained by ME3000P8 Measurement Unit. Tibialis anterior(TA), Gastrocnemius medial head(GM), Gastrocnemius lateral head(GL), Ssoleus(SO) were selected for the dorsiflexion and plantarflexion of the ankle joint. The result of this study were as follows: 1. In the gait cycle, The time parameters for the phases were showed significant difference without the terminal stance phase and terminal swing phase for the different walking speed. 2. The angle of ankle joint was no significant difference for each time point and MDF, MPF but increasing walking speed the angle had the increasing pattern slightly. 3. The angular velocity of ankle joint was showed the significant difference for LHC, RTO, RKC, LHU, MPF and MDF point along the walking speed. 4. TA was showed about 2-3 times muscle activity at the 1.75m/s than 1.25m/s in some phases. And it was showed the similar muscle activity between the 0.75m/s and 1.25m/s but, showed a little much muscle activity in the 0.75m/s. GM was showed about 2-3 times muscle activity in the 1.75m/s than 1.25m/s, and even much muscle activity at the 0.75m/s than 1.25m/s in some phases. GL was showed increasing pattern of muscle activity specially in the initial swing phase as the walking speed increased. SO was showed about 3 times muscle activity in the 1.75m/s than 1.25m/s during the plantarflexion of ankle joint. It was showed the similar muscle activity between the 0.75m/s and 1.25m/s but, showed a little much muscle activity in the 1.25m/s.

• Journal of rehabilitation welfare engineering & assistive technology
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• v.8 no.4
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• pp.305-312
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• 2014

In this study, in order to quantitatively confirm walking rehabilitation degree, we analyzed EMG pattern simulated abnormal gait and normal gait by applying a curve fitting. We calculated the suitable high-order function for EMG signal, and classified them into 5 groups by using cluster analysis. Depending on the distance from normal pattern group, we listed the pattern group and then the distribution of each variables were confirmed. The amplitude-decreased pattern was the most similar to the normal pattern, but the reversed pattern showed the lowest similarity. Due to the smaller overlapping range, the distribution of the groups were possible to classify using the value of variable. The standard deviation of each term coefficient was compared to indicate the quantitative rehabilitation extent, and the higher value was confirmed as the pattern is close to the normal pattern. Consequently, the representation of quantitative rehabilitation extent is expected to contribute to the more effective rehabilitation method study.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.58-65
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• 2017

Background: Children with cerebral palsy (CP) have impaired postural control, but critically require the control of stability. Consequently, therapeutic interventions for enhancing postural control in children with CP have undergone extensive research. One intervention is sensorimotor training (SMT) using a Flexi-bar, but this has not previously been studied with respect to targeting trunk control in children with CP. Objects: This study was conducted to determine the effect of SMT using a Flexi-bar on postural balance and gait performance in children with CP. Methods: Three children with ambulatory spastic diplegia (SD) participated in the SMT program by using a Flexi-bar for forty minutes per day, three times a week, for six weeks. Outcome variables included the pediatric balance scale (PBS), trunk control movement scale (TCMS), 10 meter walking test (10MWT), and 3-dimensional movement coordination measurement. Results: The SMT provided no statistically significant improvement in PBS, TCMS, 10MWT, or 3-dimensional movement coordination measurement. However, positive changes were observed in individual outcomes, as balance and trunk control movement were improved. Conclusion: SMT using a Flexi-bar may be considered by clinicians as a potential intervention for increasing postural balance and performance in children with SD. Future studies are necessary to confirm the efficacy of Flexi-bar exercise in improving the functional activity of subjects with SD.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.44-57
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• 2007

Purpose: The objective of this study is to analyze the activities of muscles importantly functioning when walking with different inclinations and speeds of a treadmill, in order to provide basic data on walking exercise using a treadmill. Method: The selected subjects of this study were 16 men and women who had lower extremity injury. A treadmill was used to provide the activation of muscle, and the electromyography was used to analyze the muscle activity variables. The Biodex was used to measure the value of maximum isometric contraction. The inclinations of the treadmill were 0%, 5% and 10%, respectively, and its speeds were 2Km/h. 3Km/h, 4Km/h, 5Km/h, and 6Km/h, respectively. Result: For quadriceps femoris muscle and trunk muscle, there were significant differences in muscle activity when different speeds were applied at 0%, 5% and 10% inclinations.(p<0.05) The activity of vastus medialis muscle was 9.78% at 0% inclination and 2km/h speed, whereas it was 9.32% at 0% inclination and 3km/h, which was slightly lower. The activity of erector spinae muscle was 24.93% at 0% inclination and 2km/h speed, whereas it was 24.84% at 0% inclination and 3km/h, whereas it was 23.99% at 0% inclination and 4km/h, which was slightly lower. The activity of vastus medialis muscle was 11.89% at 10% inclination and 2km/h speed, whereas it was 10.65% at 10% inclination and 3km/h, which was slightly lower. The activity of rectus femoris muscle was 10.26% at 10% inclination and 2km/h speed, whereas it was 9.77% at 10% inclination and 3km/h, which was slightly lower. Conclusion: It was found that the activities of trunk muscle and quadriceps femoris muscle increase as the inclination and the speed of a treadmill increase during treadmill walking.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.35-44
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• 2019

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of visual and auditory stimulation randomly applied to healthy adults on walking. Design: Randomized Controlled Trial. Methods: Twenty-six healthy students in S college were randomly divided into visual feedback group (n=13) and auditory feedback group (n=13). The visual feedback group walked using four conditions. 1) In the red screen was shown, clap twice to the right, 2) In yellow screen, clap twice to the left, 3) In green screen, clap twice over head. 4) Do not clap in purple screen. The auditory feedback group walked using four conditions. 1)in red, clap twice to the right, 2) In yellow, clap twice left, 3) In green, clap twice over your head. 4) Do not clap in purple. All subjects measured gait variables before and after the test using G-walker. Result: The visual feedback group showed a significant decrease (p<.05) in the number of steps per minute, walking speed, and step length compared with that of normal walking. The auditory feedback group showed a significant decrease (p<.05) in the number of steps per minute, walking speed, and step length than that of normal walking. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that visual and auditory stimulation applied to healthy adults may have significant effects on walking.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.13 no.10
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• pp.444-451
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• 2013

The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in temporospatial variables in healthy elderly and healthy adults during usual walking, narrow base walking and centerline-guided walking. Twenty healthy elderly and nineteen healthy adults were participated in this study. In each conditions, the subjects were walked on a 6m walkway at comfortable self-selected speeds under three conditions : (1) usual walking, (2) walking within a 50% of the distance between the subject's ASIS (3) walking along a centerline. GAITRite system was used for kinematic analysis to assess the temporospatial variables. There were no significant changes in healthy adults(p>.05), but walking speed, cadence, H-H base support, functional ambulation performance were significantly decreased progressively as pathway narrowed in elderly adults(p<.05). The results show that elderly people had more difficulty with walking on narrow pathway for fear of falling. This study provides data for use in basic research into safe walking and preventing falling for elderly.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.25-36
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• 2002

Objectives: This study was conducted to find out risk factors related to elderly hip fracture, so that the result could provide basic data to establish prevention programs for hip fracture among the elderly. Methods: The data were collected from 199 cases hospitalized in 4 university hospitals in Pusan from January, 1996 to December, 1998, 193 healthy controls who visited elderly facilities in Pusan. The data were obtained from medical records and by using questionnaires through telephone contact or direct personal interview with the subjects or their family, and were analyzed for 2-test and multiple logistic regression. The risk factors were shown with odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals. Results: In univariate analysis, the odds ratio of hip fracture risk was estimated to be 1.9 for the elderly aged 75 years as compare with those aging less than 65 years; 42 for those with job as compared with those without job; 3.3 for those with more than 6 children as compared with those with one or two children. For the variables related to physical characteristics, small height (p=0.015), light weight (p=0.000), and low BMI (p=0.014) were risk factors for elderly hip fracture. Sane variables related to health, such as previous history of illness (OR=3.3.), abnormal blood pressure (OR=1.6), previous fracture history (OR=22), lower limbs weakness (OR=12.1) and gait disturbance (OR=42.6), were significantly associated with the risk of hip fracture. In multiple logistic regression, risk factors for hip fracture were age, having job, lower limb weakness and previous history of illness. The adjusted odds ratios of hip fracture risk among the elderly were age (OR=1.1), having jobs (OR=11.7), weak lower limb (OR=10.8) and previous history of illnesses (OR=3.3), respectively. Conclusion: This study suggests that the plan for improving the daily living environment for the elderly systematically should be implemented to avoid the chances of fall, and that programs encouraging to practice regular exercise for physical activity and to promote health of the elderly should be developed.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.30-40
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• 2017

Background: Many studies have reported positive results of the various mirror training and virtual reality games in improving dynamic standing balance and posture adjustment in chronic stroke patients. However, no systematic study has been conducted to compare the effects of virtual reality games and the mirror balance training. Objects: The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of Wii balance games and Mirror Self-Balancing Exercises in improving proprioception of knee joint and standing balance of people with chronic stroke. Methods: Twenty patients with chronic stroke volunteered for this study. The subjects were randomly divided into a Wii balance games group and a Mirror Self-Balancing Exercises group with 10 patients in each group. Each training was performed for 30 mins a day for 4 days. In addition to the balance training, 30 mins neuro-developmental-treatment based routine physical therapy was given to both groups. Proprioception was measured using two continuous passive motion devices, and static balance was measured using a Wii balance board. Dynamic balance assessment tools included the Berg Balance Scale, Dynamic Gait Index, and Timed Up-and-Go test. Results: All measured variables before and after the experimental results showed a significant improvement in both groups (p<.05). Only the improvement of the affected knee proprioception appeared to be significantly greater in the Wii balance game group (p<.05). However, other variables did not differ between the groups (p>.05). Conclusion: The findings suggest that both Wii balance games and Mirror Self-Balancing Exercises may be helpful for improving the proprioception of knee joint and the balance of patients with chronic stroke.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.259-269
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• 2021

Objective: The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate age-related bimanual coordination functions in older adults. Method: Thirteen studies that compared bimanual coordination functions in older adults with those in healthy young adults qualified for this meta-analysis. We additionally categorized 21 total comparisons from the 13 qualified studies into two types of task-related moderator variables: (1) kinematic versus kinetic movements and (2) symmetry versus asymmetry movements. Results: Random effects model meta-analysis found that older adults revealed significant bimanual coordination impairments as compared with young adults (Hedges's g = -0.771; p < .0001; I² = 74.437%). We additionally confirmed specific bimanual coordination deficits using two moderator variables: 1) kinematic (Hedges's g = -0.884; p < .0001; I² = 0.000%) and kinetic (Hedges's g = -0.666; p = .023; I² = 86.170%). 2) symmetry (Hedges's g = -0.712; p = .001; I² = 74.291%) and asymmetry (Hedges's g = -0.817; p < .0001; I² = 76.322%). The moderator variable analysis indicated older adults indicated bimanual coordination deficits in the upper extremities than healthy young adults while performing kinematic bimanual coordination tasks and asymmetry coordination tasks. Conclusion: These findings suggest that developing motor rehabilitation programs based on asymmetric bimanual movement task for enhancing interlimb coordination functions of older adults may be crucial for increasing their independence in everyday activities. Given that elderly revealed the deficits in lower extremities coordination when older adults perform gait, posture, and balance, future studies should estimate lower limb coordination functions in elderly people.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.55-61
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• 2012

Background : The purpose of this study is to provide the basic data according to cognitive function, that will help activities of daily living of the elderly through the comparative study of activities daily living and functional training. Methods : The subjects of this study 122 patients 65 years old or more ADL and cognitive function assessment was evaluated. They were registered in the Elderly in nursing homes and welfare centers, located in Gyeonggi. All study participants had a sufficient explanation for the purposes of research and evaluation methods and procedures for the elderly. The survey period 17 October to 11 November 2011 was conducted through face-to-face survey was conducted. Results : Cognitive function according to the K-MMSE score of 24 points or more, 23 to 18 points, 17 points or less were classified. Ability to perform activities of daily living (personal hygiene, bathing, toilet use, stair climbing, dressing, stool control, urinary control, gait, chair/bed, etc.) according to the degree of cognitive function by evaluating the ability to perform daily living compared results in all variables were statistically significant (p<.5). Conclusion : As a result, the higher cognitive functions can be seen that the higher the ability to perform activities of daily living.