• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.145-150
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• 2005

A new gait detection system using both FSR (force sensing resistor) sensors and a gyrosensor was developed to detect various gait patterns. FSR sensors were put in self-designed shoe insoles and a gyrosensor was attached to the heel of a shoe. An algorithm was also developed to determine eight different gait transitions during four gait phases: heel-strike, foot-flat, heel-off and swing. The developed system was evaluated from nine heathy mans and twelve hemiplegic patients. Healthy volunteers were asked to walk in various gait patterns: level walking, fore-foot walking and stair walking. Only the level walking was performed in hemiplegic patients. The gait detection system was compared with a optical motion analysis system and the outputs of the FSR sensors. In healthy subjects, the developed system detected successfully more than $99\%$ for both level walking and fore-foot walking. For stair walking, the successful detection rate of the system was above$97\%$. In hemiplegic patients, the developed system detected approximately 98% of gait transitions. The developed gait phase detection system will be helpful not only to determine pathological gait phases but also to apply prosthetics, orthotics and functional electrical stimulation for patients with various gait disorders.

• Journal of Biosystems Engineering
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.57-62
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• 2009

Kinematic analysis of MTC (Muscle-Tendon Complex) units is a key indicator for diagnosis of patients with musculoskeletal disorders because the contracture or shortening of musculo-tendinous units is known to produce pathological gaits. Therefore, the principal objective of this study was to assess the length change in the triceps surae prior to and after wearing an AFO (Ankle-Foot Orthoses) in patients with musculoskeletal disorders during a gait. In this study, analyses were conducted using a Muscle Tendon Complex model coupled with the trajectory data from markers attached to anatomical landmarks. As a result, the maximum length change in the triceps surae during a gait was 4.87% when a barefoot walking group and a walking group with AFO were compared. In particular, the difference in length changes between both groups in Soleus MTC units was found to be statistically significant in all gait phases. Our results revealed that MTC length in the AFO walking group was clearly increased over that of the barefoot walking group. In the future, further studies will be required in order to more adequately assess musculoskeletal disorders using many cases studies with regard to agricultural working conditions because this study deals with the kinematic analysis of musculo-tendinous units in the case of clinical experiments.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.774-790
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• 2023

Objective: This study examined the effectiveness of Korean medicine treatments in two patients with Parkinson's disease complaining of discomfort stemming from postural instability and gait disturbance (PIGD). Methods: Two patients were treated for 3 months. They visited the clinic once a week for the first month and thereafter once every 2 weeks. The Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and a three-dimensional gait analysis were performed at the first visit and at 1, 2, and 3 months thereafter. Results: In Case 1, gait speed, stride length, and swing phase increased. Double support decreased until 2 months after treatment but increased slightly after 3 months. Among the kinematic parameters, tilt and rotation increased. The total UPDRS Part III score decreased from 51 points to 29 points after 3 months of treatment. In Case 2, gait speed, stride length, and swing phase increased, but double support decreased. Among the kinematic parameters, tilt, rotation, and obliquity decreased. The total UPDRS Part III score decreased from 11 points to 7 points after 3 months of treatment. Conclusions: This study suggests that Korean medicine can be an effective treatment for patients with Parkinson's disease who experience discomfort due to PIGD.

• Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.39-52
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• 2016

Objective: This paper investigates gait changes according to different heel heights and speeds, and the interaction between the effects of the heel height and the speed during walking on stride parameters and joint angles. Furthermore, the relationship among heel height, speed and gait variables is investigated using linear regression. Background: Gait changes by heel height or speed have been studied respectively, but has not been reported whether there is an interaction effect between heel height and speed. It would be necessary to understand how gait changes when a person wears heels in different heights at various speeds, for example, high-heeled walking at fast speed, since it may cause unusual gait patterns and musculoskeletal disorders. Method: Ten females were asked to walk at five fixed cadences (94, 106, 118, 130 and 142 steps/min.) wearing three shoes with different heel heights (1, 5.4 and 9.8cm). Nineteen gait variables were analyzed for stride parameters and joint angles using two-way repeated measure analysis of variance and regression analysis. Results: Both heel height and speed affect movement of ankle, knee, spine and elbow joint, as well as stride length and Double/Single support time ratio. However, there is no significant interaction effect between heel height and speed. The regression result shows linear relationships of gait variables with heel height and speed. Conclusion: Heel height and speed independently affect stride parameters and joint angles without a significant interaction, so the gait variables are linearly amplified or diminished by the two factors. Application: Walking in high heels at fast speed should be careful for musculoskeletal disorders, since the amplified movement of knee and spine joint can lead to increased moment. Also, the result might give insight for animators or engineers to generate walking motion with high heels at various speeds.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.37-47
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• 2007

Objective : A large proportion of stroke survivors have to deal with problems in gait. Proper evaluation of gait must be undertaken to understand the sensorimotor impairment underlying locomotor disorders post stroke. Methods : The characteristics of gait pattern with post stroke are reviewed in this paper. In particular, temporal distance parameters, kimematics, kinetics, as well as energy cost, EMG are focused. Results : The technology for gait analysis is moving rapidly. The techniques of 3D kinematic and kinetic analysis can provide a detailed biomechanical description of normal and pathological gait. This article reviews gait analysis method and characteristics of post stroke. Finally current method of gait analysis can provide further insight to understand paretic gait and therapeutic direction.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.40 no.5
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• pp.743-751
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• 2019

This case report suggests the potential effects of Korean medicine for the gait disturbance and posture instability of Multiple System Atrophy-Parkinsonism (MSA-P). A patient with MSA-P who had gait disturbance and posture instability was given a series of Korean medicine, including acupuncture, pharmacopuncture, electro-acupuncture, moxibustion, and herbal medicine, for 15 days of hospitalization. During the hospitalization period, the severity and progression of the disease was measured with the Unified Multiple System Atrophy Rating Scale (UMSARS) and a video recording of a 20-meter round timed walking test. The UMSARS Part I and II scores decreased from 14 to 5 and 9 to 5, respectively. An improvement was also noted in standing and walking posture, and the walking time was shortened from 30 to 25 seconds in the 20-meter round-trip walking test. Dysarthria, dysphagia, and non-motoring symptoms like sleep behavioral disorders and constipation were also improved. The findings of this case study suggest that this series of Korean medicine has potential therapeutic effects for patients with MSA-P with motor and non-motor symptoms.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.40-47
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• 2014

Objectives : Postural instability and gait difficulty(PIGD) can develop in all Parkinson's disease patients, especially late in the disease course, but does not respond well to conventional dopamine treatment. This study aimed to report three cases of PIGD in Parkinson's disease patients treated with Korean and Western medicine treatment. Methods : We used acupuncture, bee venom acupuncture, herbal medicine and moxibustion to treat patients during hospitalization. They continued Western medication and received rehabilitation treatment. We observed the changes of PIGD using the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale(UPDRS). Results : After treatment, PIGD symptoms improved and UPDRS scores were decreased. Especially, scores of falling, walking, gait and postural stability subsections related with PIGD were decreased. In addition, general conditions of patients were improved. Conclusions : This study suggests that Korean medicine treatment could be effective in the treatment of PIGD in Parkinson's disease patients.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Precision Engineering
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• v.21 no.10
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• pp.196-203
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• 2004

In this study, a new gait phase detection system using both FSR(Force Sensing Resister) sensors and a gyrosensor was developed to detect various gait patterns. FSR sensors were put in self-designed shoe insoles and a gyrosensor was attached to the posterior aspect of a shoe. An algorithm was also developed to determine eight different gait transitions among four gait phases: heel-strike, foot-flat, heel-off and swing. The developed system was compared with the conventional gait phase detection system using only FSR sensors in various gait experiments such as level walking, fore-foot walking and stair walking. In fore-foot walking and stair walking, the developed system showed much better accuracy and reliability to detect gait phases. The developed gait phase detection system using both FSR sensors and a gyrosensor will be helpful not only to determine pathological gait phases but to apply prosthetics, orthotics and functional electrical stimulation to patients with gait disorders.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.42 no.6
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• pp.1356-1365
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• 2021

This study examined the effectiveness of Korean medical treatment in a patient with persistent drug-induced parkinsonism after drug discontinuation. The changes in symptoms were assessed using the unified parkinson's disease rating scale (UPDRS), postural instability-gait disturbance (PIGD) score, and the 20 m gait time and steps. After 22 days of hospitalization, the UPDRS, PIGD score, and 20 m gait time and steps showed clinically significant improvement. The improvement persisted after discharge. This study indicated that Korean medical treatment could be an effective alternative therapy for treating persistent drug-induced parkinsonism after drug discontinuation.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.136-139
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• 2014

Purpose: The purpose of this study will demonstrate that relationship between scoliosis and gait factor and foot weight bearing in ambulation. Methods: Subjects were 40 elementary students. A normal control group consisted of a total of 20 children without any known musculoskeletal disorders and an AIS group of 20 children with mild AIS (defined by a Cobb angle between 10 and $25^{\circ}$) were recruited. Measurements were scoliometer screening test, Cobb angle, gait parameter (rate of swing/stance phase, gait velosity), foot weight bearing (entire, fore, hind). Results: Scoliometer screening test (P = 0.000) and X-ray Cobb angle (P = 0.000) significant difference of group which was significantly higher in the AIS group. Gait parameter not showed significant difference. Forefoot weight bearing was significantly higher in the AIS group than more normal group. Conclusion: It seems that the results of weight bearing analysis in ambulation may be used in modifying rehabilitation programs for individual needs of patients with idiopathic scoliosis.