• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
• /
• v.13 no.1
• /
• pp.109-119
• /
• 2003

The purpose of this study was to investigate differences of the mechanical efficiency on the characteristics of the basketball wheelchairs(cambers & size of the handrims). Nine healthy and normal wheelchair basketball players who had no impairments to their upper extremities were volunteered to participate in this study. $VO_2$ was collected using automatic gas analyzer(vmax29). Gross efficiency, net efficiency and work efficiency were analyzed from the calculated external power output and energy expenditure. The results were followed. First, gross efficiency in the basketball wheelchairs was observed across the range from 4 to 10%. Gross efficiency in this study showed less values than that from the literature reviewed in the arm cranking(15%), racing wheelchair(above 30%), gait(27%) and cycling(18-23%). Second, the small size of handrim(61cm) at the 16 degrees of camber produced higher efficiency values than the large size of handrim(66cm) whereas the different sizes of handrim at the 20 degrees of camber did not show any pattern. Third, both faster speed($1.11^m/s{\rightarrow}1.39^m/s$) and increases in treadmill inclination produced increases in energy expenditure. The results of this study may provide not only better understanding of the mechanical efficiency with adequate camber degree and proper size of handrim but also fundamental information for manufacturing the wheelchair.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
• /
• v.2 no.1
• /
• pp.23-34
• /
• 2014

연구목적 : 본 연구의 목적은 8주간의 점진적인 속도증진 훈련이 뇌졸중환자의 족저압, 보행주기, 보행대칭성에 어떠한 영향을 주는지 알아보는 것이다. 연구방법 : 연구에 참여한 대상자들은 뇌졸중으로 진단 받고 N병원에 입원한 편마비환자 20명(실험군 10명, 대조군 10명)을 대상으로 하였다. 이들은 모두 물리치료와 작업치료를 받았고, 실험군은 주3회, 8주간의 트레드밀 보행훈련를 받았고, 대조군은 받지 않았다. 실험전, 후에 F-scan을 이용하여 보행주기, 보행대칭성을 검사하였다. 연구결과 : 8주 후, 보행주기는 실험군의 양하지지지기 I II, 단하지지지기에서 모두 유의하게 증가하였으나, 대조군에서는 양하지지지기 II, 단하지지지기에서 유의하게 증가하였다. 유각기는 실험군과 대조군 모두 유의하지는 않았다. 보행대칭성은 입각기 대칭성에서 대조군과 비교하여 실험군에서 유의하게 증가하였으나, 유각기 대칭성은 실험군과 대조군 모두 유의하지 않았다. 결론 : 뇌졸중 환자에 있어 보행훈련은 보행주기과 보행대칭성과 를 개선시키며, 특히 점진적인 속도 증진훈련은 양하지지지기, 단하지지지기, 입각기 보행대칭성에 효과적인 방법으로 사용될 수 있을 것으로 보인다.

• Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
• /
• v.9 no.4
• /
• pp.1571-1575
• /
• 2018

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of somatotype on the $VO_2max$ and hormone (adrenaline and noradrenaline) during treadmill walking. Forty healthy men participated and were randomized to four groups: Male 1 (M1) group, Male 2 (M2) group, Male 3 (M3) group, and Male 4 (M4) group. M4 group is the largest body type, and M1 group is the smaller the body type. Participants walked at a speed of 3.5 km/h for five minutes at an incline angle of $0^{\circ}$, $5^{\circ}$, and $10^{\circ}$ in the treadmill. Maximum oxygen consumption and hormone (adrenaline and noradrenaline) were measured. In the results, $VO_2max$ has significantly increased according to the degree of the treadmill inclination, and M4 group (larger body type) consumed more oxygen than the M1 group (smaller body type). In the hormone, there was a significant increase in adrenaline concentration after walking in all groups, and there was a significant difference in M1-M4, M2-M4 and M3-M4. The noradrenaline concentration significantly increased after treadmill gait in all groups, and there was no significant difference in noradrenaline between groups. This study suggests that the larger body type consumes more oxygen during walking, and treadmill walking contributes to an increase in the concentration of adrenaline and noradrenaline.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
• /
• v.30 no.4
• /
• pp.301-309
• /
• 2020

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of white noise on dynamic balance in patients with stroke during walking. Method: Nineteen patients with chronic stroke (age: 61.2±9.8 years, height: 164.4±7.4 cm, weight: 61.1±9.4 kg, paretic side (R/L): 11/8, duration: 11.6±4.9 years) were included as study participants. Auditory stimulus used white noise, and all participants listened for 40 minutes mixing six types of natural sounds with random sounds. The dynamic balancing ability was evaluated while all participants walked before and after listening to white noise. The variables were the center of pressure (CoP), the center of mass (CoM), CoP-CoM inclined angle. Results: There is a significant increase in the antero-posterior (A-P) CoP range, A-P inclination angle, and gait speed on the paretic and non-paretic sides following white noise intervention (p<.05). Conclusion: Our findings confirmed the positive effect of using white noise as auditory stimulus through a more objective and quantitative assessment using CoP-CoM inclination angle as an evaluation indicator for assessing dynamic balance in patients with chronic stroke. The A-P and M-L inclination angle can be employed as a useful indicator for evaluating other exercise programs and intervention methods for functional enhancement of patients with chronic stroke in terms of their effects on dynamic balance and effectiveness.

• Physical Therapy Korea
• /
• v.30 no.1
• /
• pp.78-85
• /
• 2023

Background: Despite fall prevention strategies suggested by researchers, falls are still a major health concern in older adults. Understanding factors that differentiate successful versus unsuccessful balance recovery may help improve the prevention strategies. Objects: The purpose of this review was to identify biomechanical factors that differentiate successful versus unsuccessful balance recovery in the event of a fall. Methods: The literature was searched through Google Scholar and PubMed. The following keywords were used: 'falls,' 'protective response,' 'protective strategy,' 'automated postural response,' 'slips,' 'trips,' 'stepping strategy,' 'muscle activity,' 'balance recovery,' 'successful balance recovery,' and 'failed balance recovery.' Results: A total of 64 articles were found and reviewed. Most of studies included in this review suggested that kinematics during a fall was important to recover balance successfully. To be successful, appropriate movements were required, which governed by several things depending on the direction and characteristics of the fall. Studies also suggested that lower limb muscle activity and joint moments were important for successful balance recovery. Other factors associated with successful balance recovery included fall direction, age, appropriate protective strategy, overall health, comorbidity, gait speed, sex and anticipation of the fall. Conclusion: This review discusses biomechanical factors related to successful versus unsuccessful balance recovery to help understand falls. Our review should help guide future research, or improve prevention strategies in the area of fall and injuries in older adults.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.41 no.2
• /
• pp.75-86
• /
• 2024

A review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using electroacupuncture (EA) to treat patients with foot drop was performed to analyze the effectiveness of EA for this condition. Relevant studies (n = 183) from 7 databases (Cochrane Library, Excerpta Medica Database, PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Korean Studies Information Service System, Research Information Sharing Service, and Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System) were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and 12 RCTs met the selection criteria. In all 12 studies, EA showed significantly positive changes. In most indicators, positive changes were observed in the EA group compared with that in the control group. Significant increases were confirmed in muscle strength-related indicators such as the Fugl-Meyer motor scale, surface electromyography, active range of motion, and gait-related indicators such as the Tinetti score, maximum walking speed, and Berg balance scale. No notable adverse events were reported. EA is suggested as an effective treatment for post-stroke foot drop; however, more RCTs are required.

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

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
• /
• v.25 no.1
• /
• pp.113-122
• /
• 2015

Objective : The purpose of this study was to analyze the foot-pressure distribution of 2D(2 dimensional form) & 3D(3 dimensional form; a customized arch-fit for posture correction) insoles for assessing their biomechanical functionality. Background : Recently there has been increased interest in both foot health and foot pain patients. Analysis of the plantar pressure was often used to solve the problems of the foot displayed by such people as rheumatoid arthritis patients. Method : Subjects who participated in this study were 17 female university students who had no previous injury experience in lower limbs and a normal gait pattern. The shoe size of all subjects was 240 mm. Two models of insoles of 2D(typical flat insole - 2 dimensional form) and 3D(special production - 3 dimensional form) were selected for the test. Using the Pedar-X system and Pedar-X insoles, 4.0 km/h of walking speed, and a compilation of 50 steps walking stages were used to analyze foot-pressure distribution. Results : Results of the foot-pressure distribution and biomechanical functionality on each insole were as follows; analyses of mean plantar pressure, maximum plantar pressure, maximum vertical GRF, and plantar pressure curve shape all showed overall low plantar pressure and GRF. Conclusion : This can be evaluated as an excellent insole for low levels on the plantar pressure and GRF. Therefore, it is possible to conclude that according to this analysis the 3D Customized Arch-fit Insole was better than 2D insole on the basis of these criteria.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
• /
• v.16 no.1
• /
• pp.471-479
• /
• 2015

This study examined the effects of smart phone use while young adults negotiated an obstacle (2 cm high). Seventy-four young adults (mean age: $23.76{\pm}3.17years$, age range: 20-27 years) participated in the study. They were allocated randomly into two groups; smart phone group and no smart phone group. The smart phone group negotiated an obstacle while simultaneously using a smart phone at a self-paced speed whereas the no smart phone group negotiated an obstacle with no special option. A motion analysis system were used to measure the gait parameters, such as toe clearance, cadence, step length, step width, stride length, and walking velocity in two groups. The toe clearance, and step-width, cadence, and step-length were significantly greater for the smart phone group than the no smart phone group (p<.05) and the walking velocity was significantly lower in the smart phone group (p<.05). On the other hand, there was no significant difference in the stride length between the two groups. This study suggests that smart phone use degrades the obstacle avoidance abilities of healthy young adults, which may increase risk of falls.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
• /
• v.10 no.3
• /
• pp.258-265
• /
• 2010

The purposes of this study was to determine the effects of limited hyperextension at knee joint using Limited Motion Knee Brace on balance and walking in patients with hemiplegia. The subjects of this study were 20 post-stroke hemiplegic patients admitted. Subjects were randomly assigned to either experimental group (Limited Motion Knee Brace group) or control group (manual restriction group). Both groups received traditional physical therapy intervention. The effects of each therapeutic method were evaluated by measurements of gait ability assesment, Berg balance scale (BBS), 10-meter walk speed (10MWS), Timed Up & Go (TUG) Test. The results of this research were as followings: (1) After treatment, there were significant BBS scores differences in both experimental and control group compared with pre-treatment(p<0.05). (2) After treatment, there were significant TUG test scores differences in both experimental and control group compared with pre-treatment (p<0.05). (3) After treatment, there were significant 10MWS differences in both experimental and control group compared with pre-treatment (p<0.05). (4) There were significant BBS scores differences in third and fourth week between experimental and control group (p<0.05). It was concluded that Limited Motion Knee Brace was effective for improving balance and for reducing fatigue for experimental group. Therefore, further studies are required to investigate the effect of knee orthosis for improving balance and walking in patients with hemiplegia.