• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
• /
• v.32 no.6
• /
• pp.335-340
• /
• 2020

Purpose: This study was performed to investigate the influence of the condition with and without external support on the strength of hip flexor in supine position in subjects without core stabilization. Hip flexor muscles are very functional in the hip joint structures. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate the strength of hip flexor in a clinical and precise way. Methods: Twenty subjects participated in this study. The double bent leg-lower test was used to evaluate subjects without core stabilization. The strength of hip flexor muscles was evaluated in supine position, both with and without external support condition. The paired t-test was used to compare the strength of hip flexor muscles according to external support. The level of statistical significance was at α=0.05. The intra-rater reliability of the repeated measures of hip flexor strength was estimated by calculating the intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC). Results: In subjects without core stabilization, the strength of hip flexor in supine was greater with external support than that without external support (p<0.05). In addition, the intra-rater reliability with an ICC (3, 1) of the strength measurement of hip flexor with external support was higher than that without external support. Conclusion: In subjects without core stabilization, the condition with external support can contribute to the strength of hip flexor in supine position and the strength measurement of hip flexor should be considered with the condition with and without external support.

• Physical Therapy Korea
• /
• v.28 no.1
• /
• pp.59-64
• /
• 2021

Background: Hip flexor muscles are very important in the hip joint structure as a mover and stabilizer. In addition, isometric hip flexor strength in the supine position needs to be considered with isometric core strength (WICS) to measure a precise strength in a clinical way. Objects: We compared isometric hip flexor strength in the supine position in subjects with and without WICS (between factors) and conditions with and without an external support (within factors). Methods: A total of 34 subjects (16 with WICS, 18 without WICS) participated in this study. We used the double-bent leg-lowering test to divide the subjects in two groups according to the presence of WICS. Isometric hip flexor strength was evaluated in the supine position both with and without an external support condition. The two-way mixed analysis of variance was applied to identify significant differences between groups (with vs. without WICS: between factors) and conditions (with vs. without an external support: within factors). Statistical significance was set at α = 0.05. Results: In subjects with WICS, isometric hip flexor strength was greater with an external support than without it (p = 0.0064). In subjects without WICS, there were no significant differences in isometric hip flexor strength in the presence or absence of an external support (p = 0.075). The isometric hip flexor strength was significantly greater with an external support condition in particular in subjects with WICS. Conclusion: The findings of this study reported that an external support condition in individuals with WICS may contribute to the improvement of isometric hip flexion strength in the supine position. Therefore, isometric core strength should be evaluated to distinguish the weakness between core region and hip flexors.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
• /
• v.35 no.4
• /
• pp.117-123
• /
• 2023

Purpose: In this study, subjects with femoral anterior glide type were examined to investigate the effects of femoral head anterior glide fixation during active straight leg raise on the strength of the hip flexor in a supine position. Methods: Fifteen subjects participated in this study. All subjects were classified through an evaluation form for femoral anterior glide type (FAGT). The strength of the hip flexor was measured during active straight leg raise test (ASLR test), and compared with and without femoral anterior glide fixation in a supine position. The fixation of the femoral head was achieved as per the therapist's manual guidelines. Paired t-test was applied to compare changes in the strength of the hip flexor according to fixation conditions. The level of statistical significance was set at α=0.05. Results: The strength of the hip flexor was lesser during the ASLR test with fixation compared to without fixation (p=0.007). Conclusion: The strength of the hip flexor decreases with fixation. Results of this study revealed a difference between hip flexor strength, with and without femoral anterior glide fixation during ASLR, in subjects with femoral anterior glide type.

• Physical Therapy Korea
• /
• v.30 no.3
• /
• pp.245-252
• /
• 2023

Background: Various functional tests such as upper quarter Y-balance test (UQYBT) are used to evaluate shoulder stability and mobility in clinical or sports fields. Previous studies have been conducted to determine the correlation between the scapular or trunk muscle and UQYBT. However, the correlation between UQYBT and hip flexor, which can be considered as a core muscle, has not been confirmed. Objects: To verify the relationship between the UQYBT and scapular muscle (scapular protractor and lower trapezius [LT]), trunk muscle, and hip flexor strengths in healthy male participants. Methods: A total of 37 healthy male participants were recruited and underwent UQYBT in the push-up posture. The isometric strength of the scapular protractor, LT, trunk flexor and extensor, and hip flexors were measured using a smart KEMA strength sensor (KOREATECH Inc.). Results: The superolateral direction of the UQYBT was moderately to strongly related to trunk extensor (r = 0.443, p < 0.01), scapular protractor (r = 0.412, p < 0.05), LT (r = 0.436, p < 0.01), and both sides of the hip flexors (supporting-side: r = 0.669, p < 0.01; non-supporting-side: r = 0.641, p < 0.01). The inferolateral direction of the UQYBT was moderately related to the scapular protractor (r = 0.429, p < 0.01), LT (r = 0.511, p < 0.01), and both sides of hip flexors (supporting-side: r = 0.481, p < 0.01; non-supporting-side: r = 0.521, p < 0.01). The medial direction of the UQYBT was moderately to strongly related with the scapular protractor (r = 0.522, p < 0.01), LT (r = 0.541, p < 0.01), and both sides of hip flexors (supporting-side: r = 0.605, p < 0.01; non-supporting-side: r = 0.561, p < 0.01). Conclusion: This study showed that the strength of the scapular muscles, trunk muscles, and hip flexor muscles correlated to the UQYBT. Therefore, the strength of not only the scapular and trunk muscles but also the hip flexor muscles should be considered to improve the UQYBT.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
• /
• v.15 no.4
• /
• pp.35-42
• /
• 2008

Background : To assess the effect of a pelvic compression belt on the strength of hip flexor in healthy young individuals. Study design: Pre- and post-treatment measurement design on one factor was used. Methods : 30 healthy volunteers (male: 15, female: 15) participated in this study. Dynamometer was used to measure the strength of hip flexor, and measurements were performed before and after the application of the pelvic compression belt at neutral position of hip joint and at 30 cm raised position from floor with straight leg in supine. Results : After the application of the pelvic compression belt, the strengths of hip flexor measured at both positions were significantly increased when compared with before the application (p<.05). However, at neutral position of hip joint and at 30cm raised position from floor, there were significantly different in the changing patterns in the strengths of hip flexor between men and women (p>.05). Conclusion : The findings suggest that the pelvic compression belt is helpful in strengthening hip muscles. With easy application, it is sufficiently feasible for clinical use.

• Physical Therapy Korea
• /
• v.13 no.3
• /
• pp.10-17
• /
• 2006

The purpose of this study was to determine the consequence of resistance strengthening exercise on the hip flexor and extensor performed to improve functional mobility in stroke patients more than six months post stroke. Seventeen patients were randomized into two groups. Both groups received conventional physical therapy for six weeks. In addition, the experimental group performed eccentric resistance strengthening exercise in the hip flexor and extensor using an isokinetic dynamometer. The hip flexor and extensor strength, stair up and down mobility, timed get up and go (TUG), 10 m gait velocity, and functional reach were repeatedly measured at baseline, three weeks, and six weeks after treatment. The results were as follows: 1. The experimental group improved more remarkably in the hip flexor and extensor strength, stair up and down mobility, and the 10 m gait velocity after three weeks and six weeks of treatment (p<.05), 2. The control group improved significantly in the hip flexor and extensor strength, and 10 m gait velocity after three weeks of treatment (p<.05), 3. At each three and six week point, the experimental group made greater gains in hip flexor and extensor strength, stair up and down mobility, and 10 m gait velocity than the control group (p<.05). In conclusion, it is desirable to perform resistance strengthening exercises combined with conventional physical therapy to improve functional mobility in chronic stroke patients.

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

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

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
• /
• v.16 no.2
• /
• pp.82-87
• /
• 2010

Purpose : This study was investigate The correlations between the Balance and the knee muscle power and the ankle muscle power. Methods : This studied selected 9cases of the healthy persons. Each measure of muscle power used Bio-dex pro-3. Balance measure was used balance-meter the ability to measure Ant-post, lateral, overall balance. Result : 1. Knee flexor and extensor causes ankles that plantar flexion strength and high correlation r= .745, r= .825 have, Ankle dorsi flexor strength and a bit of correlation r= .249, r= .221) have. 2. Ankle plantar flexor strength and overall balance and correlation was the r= .204, Ankle dorsi flexor strength and lat. balance and correlation was the r= .314. 3. Knee extensor strength and overall balance and correlation was the r=.212.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
• /
• v.11 no.3
• /
• pp.370-375
• /
• 2022

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the hip joint muscle strength of patients with chronic back pain with lumbar instability and normal subjects. Design: A case control study. Methods: Five types of lumbar instability test were conducted on forty young women with chronic low back pain for more than six months, and those who had 3 or more positive tests were selected as subjects. To select chronic back pain patients with lumbar instability group, aberrant movement patterns during lumbar flexion test (FMT), prone instability test (PIT), posterior-anterior mobility test (PAT), passive lumbar extension test (PLE), and pressure bio-feedback (PBF) were applied. In addition, a digital muscle strength meter was used to measure the hip flexor, extensor, adductor, and abductor muscles of chronic low back pain patients with lumbar instability group (n=20) and normal subject group (n=20). Results: As a result of comparing the hip joint muscle strength between the chronic back pain patient group with lumbar instability and the normal group, there were significant differences in the hip extensor, abductor, and adductor muscles (p<0.05). Conclusions: Patients of chronic back pain with lumbar instability were found to have weak hip joint muscle strength. Therefore, this study suggest that include hip joint strength exercise for functional recovery of chronic back pain patients.