• PNF and Movement
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.19-29
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• 2022

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the gait patterns of adults with intellectual disability and healthy adults based on collected kinematic data on the lower extremities and to investigate the gait patterns of intellectually disabled people by comparing the differences between the two groups. Methods: The participants were divided into in one group of healthy adults (n = 9) and one group with mild intellectual disabilities (n = 9). 3D motion analysis (Myomotion) was used to collect kinematic data from each group while the participants walked 3 times over 10 m. As a statistical method, each group's kinematic data during walking was analyzed and compared using an independent sample t-test. Results: Comparing the kinematic data of the lower extremities during walking between the group with mild intellectual disability and the healthy group, there were significant differences between the two groups in the hip and ankle joints in the stance and swing phases. Conclusion: The analysis suggests that people with intellectual disabilities have kinematic differences compared with healthy people. Based on the results of this study, it is necessary to conduct further research on rehabilitation programs for joint stabilization, exercise for increasing joint range of motion, muscle strengthening exercise, and proprioception training for people with intellectual disabilities with insufficient physical function.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.75-80
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• 2024

This research investigates the influence of chair tilt functionality on biometric signals and user comfort, addressing the ergonomic challenges posed by modern sedentary lifestyles. Through an experimental study involving eight male participants, the impact of chair tilt on electromyography (EMG), heart rate, metabolic rate, pressure distribution, and distance between the lumbar spine and the lumbar support part of the chair was measured across different seating postures. The study utilized chairs with both synchronous and non-synchronous tilt mechanisms to explore how adjustments in chair design affect user comfort and physiological responses during prolonged sitting. Key findings suggest that chair tilt functionality can significantly reduce muscle activity and energy expenditure, enhancing user comfort and potentially mitigating health risks associated with prolonged sedentary behavior. Notably, the study revealed a preference among participants for chairs that aligned the rotational center of the tilt with the hip joint, highlighting the importance of this ergonomic feature in enhancing user comfort. Additionally, the research proposes a novel methodology for assessing seating comfort through the analysis of both biometric and physical signals, providing valuable insights for the development of ergonomic chair designs focused on user health and comfort.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.128-136
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• 2023

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of an 8-week closed kinetic chain typed Reformer and Chair Pilates exercise on static and dynamic lower limb alignment for healthy female adults. Method: Ten healthy young female adults without musculoskeletal injury history in last 6 months (Age: 29.3 ± 3.5 yrs., Height: 165 ± 3.4 cm, Body mass: 58.2 ± 5.4 kg) participated in this study. All participants asked to join the 8-week closed kinetic chain typed Reformer and Chair Pilates exercise, and the program was conducted for 60 minutes twice a week. Participants were asked to be measure a static Q-angle and performed free squat one week before and after the program. A 3-D motion analysis with 8 infrared cameras and 5 channels of EMG was executed in this study. The effectiveness of the training was evaluated by paired t-test, and the significance level was set at .05. Results: A significantly decreased in internal rotation angles was found at hip joint during free squat after the training. Also, significantly decreased in lateral rotation angles were found at knee and ankle joint during free squat after training. Finally, significantly decreased in muscle activations were found at adductor longus and peroneus longus during free squat after training. Conclusion: From results of our study, it is concluded that an 8-week closed kinetic chain typed Pilates exercise positively effect on lower limb alignment during dynamic movement.

• Journal of Sport and Applied Science
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.13-18
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• 2024

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of a 6-week weight training and complex training program on the Y-balance test (YBT) in high school soccer players. Research design, data, and methodology: This study included 26 high school soccer players from City S. Subjects were divided into a weight training group (WTG: n=13) and a complex training group (CTG: n=13) based on their willingness to participate without medical problems. The YBT measured anterior (AT), posteromedial (PM), posterolateral (PL), and composite scores (CS), and was measured twice: before the start and after the end of training. The data were analyzed using the SPSS 25.0 statistical program to compare pre- and post-training using paired-t tests, between training groups using independent-t tests, and left-right comparisons using independent-t tests. Results: Training resulted in a significant pre- to post-training change in PL in the left foot WTG group (p<.05), with no significant change in the other measures. There were no significant differences between training groups and between left and right sides. Conclusion: To improve YBT in high school soccer players, a program to improve ankle and hip mobility and strength should be added along with improving large muscle strength through weights and comflex training.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.165-176
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• 2011

The femoral nerve innervates the quadriceps muscles and its dermatome supplies anteromedial thigh and medial foot. Paralysis of the quadriceps muscles due to the injury of the femoral nerve results in disability of the knee joint extension and loss of sensory of the thigh. A child could walk independently even though he had injured his femoral nerve severely due to the penetrating wound in the medial thigh. We measured and analyzed his gait performance in order to find the mechanisms that enabled him to walk independently. The child was eleven-year-old boy and he could not extend his knee voluntarily at all during a month after the injury. His gait analysis was performed five times (GA1~GA5) for sixteen months. His temporal-spatial parameters were not significantly different after the GA2 or GA3 test, and significant asymmetry was not observed except the single support time in GA1 results. The Lower limb joint angles in affected side had large differences in GA1 compared with the normal normative patterns. There were little knee joint flexion and extension motion during the stance phase in GA1 The maximum ankle plantar/dorsi flexion angles and the maximum knee extension angles were different from the normal values in the sound side. Asymmetries of the joint angles were analyzed by using the peak values. Significant asymmetries were found in GA1with seven parameters (ankle: peak planter flexion angle in stance phase, range of motion; ROM, knee: peak flexion angles during both stance and swing phase, ROM, hip: peak extension angle, ROM) while only two parameters (maximum hip extension angle and ROM of hip joint) had significant differences in GA5. The mid-stance valleys were not observed in both right and left sides of vertical ground reaction force (GRF) in the GA1, GA2. The loading response peak was far larger than the terminal stance peak of vertical ground reaction curve in the affected side of the GA3, GA4, GA5. The measured joint moment curves of the GA1, GA2, GA3 had large deviations and all of kinetic results had differences with the normal patterns. EMG signals described an absence of the rectus femoris muscle activity in the GA1 and GA2 (affected side). The EMG signals were detected in the GA3 and GA4 but their patterns were not normal yet, then their normal patterns were detected in the GA5. Through these following gait analysis of a child who had selective injuries on the knee extensor muscles, we could verify the actual functions of the knee extensor muscles during gait, and we also could observe his recovery and asymmetry with quantitative data during his rehabilitation.

• Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
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• v.55 no.4
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• pp.318-323
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• 2020

Purpose: To examine the relationship between total fat infiltration (TFI) rate, which quantifies the reduction of muscles around the spine and is an important factor for sarcopenia, and the factors affecting osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture. Materials and Methods: Patients treated for osteoporotic compression fractures of the lumber spine from January 2012 to December 2016 were analyzed retrospectively. Among them, this study included ninety-eight patients who were 1) diagnosed with osteoporosis with a bone mineral density (BMD) T score of less than 2.5 g/cm², 2) received vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty for lumbar fractures, 3) involved one segment of the lumbar spine, and 4) were followed-up for more than one year. The TFI rate confirmed by analyzing magnetic resonance imagings with the Image J program was studied. Based on this, the relationship between the TFI of the multifidus and erector spinae muscles and the factors of osteoporosis were analyzed. Results: The mean TFI of the multifidus and erector spinae was 14.66±10.16. The spine BMD showed a positive correlation with the hip BMD, but a negative correlation with the TFI. A positive correlation was observed between the hip BMD and body mass index. In addition, vitamin D was positively correlated with both the hip and spine BMD but negatively correlated with the TFI rate. Conclusion: Muscle growth helps treat osteoporosis, and can prevent fractures that occur frequently in osteoporosis patients. Increasing the vitamin intake can also slow the progression of muscle atrophy.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.72 no.5
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• pp.433-440
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• 2012

Background: The pulmonary function test is the most basic test method to diagnosis lung disease. The purpose of this study was to research the correlation of the body mass index (BMI), the fat percentage of the body mass (fat%), the muscle mass, the fat-free mass (FFM) and the fat-free mass index (FFMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR), on the forced expiratory volume curve. Methods: Between March and April 2009, a total of 291 subjects were enrolled. There were 152 men and 139 female (mean age, $46.3{\pm}9.92$ years), and they were measured for the following: forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume at 1 second ($FEV_1$), and forced expiratory flow during the middle half of the FVC ($FEF_{25-75}$) from the forced expiratory volume curve by the spirometry, and the body composition by the bioelectrical impedance method. Correlation and a multiple linear regression, between the body composition and pulmonary function, were used. Results: BMI and fat% had no correlation with FVC, $FEV_1$ in male, but FFMI showed a positive correlation. In contrast, BMI and fat% had correlation with FVC, $FEV_1$ in female, but FFMI showed no correlation. Both male and female, FVC and $FEV_1$ had a negative correlation with WHR (male, FVC r=-0.327, $FEV_1$ r=-0.36; p<0.05; female, FVC r=-0.175, $FEV_1$ r=-0.213; p<0.05). In a multiple linear regression of considering the body composition of the total group, FVC explained FFM, BMI, and FFMI in order ($r^2$=0.579, 0.657, 0.663). $FEV_1$ was explained only fat% ($r^2$=0.011), and $FEF_{25-75}$ was explained muscle mass, FFMI, FFM ($r^2$=0.126, 0.138, 0.148). Conclusion: The BMI, fat%, muscle mass, FFM, FFMI, WHR have significant association with pulmonary function but $r^2$ (adjusted coefficient of determination) were not high enough for explaining lung function.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.17-23
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• 2022

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect Tiger-step walking on the movement of the lower extremities during walking. Method: Twenty healthy male adults who had no experience of musculoskeletal injuries on lower extremities in the last six months (age: 26.85 ± 3.28 yrs, height: 174.6 ± 3.72 cm, weight: 73.65 ± 7.48 kg) participated in this study. In this study, 7-segments whole-body model (pelvis, both side of thigh, shank and foot) was used and 29 reflective markers and cluster were attached to the body to identify the segments during the gait. A 3-dimensional motion analysis with 8 infrared cameras and 7 channeled EMG was performed to find the effect of tigerstep on uphill walking. To verify the tigerstep effect, a one-way ANOVA with a repeated measure was used and the statistical significance level was set at α=.05. Results: Firstly, Both Tiger-steps showed a significant increase in stance time and stride length compared with normal walking (p<.05), while both Tiger-steps shown significantly reduced cadence compared to normal walking (p<.05). Secondly, both Tiger-steps revealed significantly increased in hip and ankle joint range of motion compared with normal walking at all planes (p<.05). On the other hand, both Tiger-steps showed significantly increased knee joint range of motion compared with normal walking at the frontal and transverse planes (p<.05). Lastly, Gluteus maximus, biceps femoris, medial gastrocnemius, tibialis anterior of both tiger-step revealed significantly increased muscle activation compared with normal walking in gait cycle and stance phase (p<.05). On the other hand, in swing phase, the muscle activity of the vastus medialis, biceps femoris, tibialis anterior of both tiger-step significantly increased compared with those of normal walking (p <.05). Conclusion: As a result of this study, Tiger step revealed increased in 3d range of motion of lower extremity joints as well as the muscle activities associated with range of motion. These findings were evaluated as an increase in stride length, which is essential for efficient walking. Therefore, the finding of this study prove the effectiveness of the tiger step when walking uphill, and it is thought that it will help develop a more efficient tiger step in the future, which has not been scientifically proven.

• Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.25-33
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• 2016

The study was performed to investigate the effects of whey protein-rich meal substitute added with vitamins, minerals, and lactobacillus powder probiotics on weight loss, body fat, and body composition in 24 female volunteers for 4 weeks. Whey protein-rich meal substitute was consumed with low-fat, high calcium milk (1% fat, 260 mg/200 mL) twice a day. Subjects submitted 3-day diet records and a life-style questionnaire before the study. During the study, subjects were required to turn in a diet record every day and consume the meal substitute formula in the metabolic ward at C university for 4 weeks. Anthropometric measurements were carried out weekly by Inbody 7.0. The dietary intake and anthropometric data were analyzed to compare changes before and after the study by paired t-test with SPSS version 23.0. The subjects were mostly early 20's and either overweight or obese and highly motivated to lose weight. Most of the subjects consumed three meals per day regularly and spent mostly 10~15 minutes for a meal. Their caloric intake was relatively low and decreased from 1,360 kcal at week 0 to 1,100 kcal after 4 weeks. However, total protein intake increased while carbohydrate and fat intakes decreased (p<0.05) after the trial. Nine vitamin intakes after the study improved compared to those before the study (p<0.05). After the study, subjects showed lower body weight (-1.8 kg), body fat (-0.94 kg), percent body fat (-0.86%), as well as waist circumference (-4.52 cm), hip circumference (-0.44 cm), waist hip ratio (-0.05), and triceps skinfold thickness (-2.39 mm) compared to those at week 0 (p<0.05). Muscle mass tended to be less compared to week 0, although there was no significant differences between weeks 0 and 4. In conclusion, diet trial with whey protein-rich meal substitute induced weight loss and positively changed body fat parameters and body composition.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.173-180
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• 2014

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of combined exercise on injury risk factors of lower extremity during landing. Ten sports talented athletes participated in this study. Sports talented athletes participated in a combined exercise (sports talented exercise, coordination) for 16 weeks. A three-dimensional motion analysis was performed using eight infrared cameras (sampling rate of 100 Hz), one force plate, and electromyography system (sampling rate of 1000 Hz) during landing. Kinetic, and kinematics analysis including average impulsive force, angle of lower extremity, vertical stiffness, onset of muscle activation were calculated by Matlab2009a software. Paired t-test was performed at alpha=.05. The average impulsive force in landing phase was not statistically significant (t=-.748, p=.474). The hip joint angle was more decreased in post test compared to pre test (E1: t=2.682, p=.025, E2: t=5.609, p=.000, E3: t=2.538, p=.032). The knee joint (E1: t=-.343, p=.739, E2: t=1.319, p=.220, E3: t=.589, p=.570) and ankle joint (E1: t=.081, p=.937, E2: t=.784, p=.453, E3: t=.392, p=.704) angle were tended to decrease after combined exercise. The vertical stiffness was tended to decrease after combined exercise (t=1.972, p=.080). Onset of quadriceps femoris (t=.698, p=.503) and medial gastocnemius (t=1.858, p=.096) were tended to be faster than biceps femoris (t=-.333, p=.747) after combined exercise. Although thses findings were not statistically significant except on a hip joint angle, risk factors of lower extremity such as joint angle, vertical stiffness and onset of quadriceps femoris, medial gastrocnemius were positively changed after the combined exercise but an additional training for improved onset of biceps femoris would be required in the future.