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

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.131-140
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• 2015

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to analyze the coordination of the trunk tilting angle and bilateral lower limbs according to the stirrups length during trot in equestrian. Methods : Participants selected as subject were consisted of adult male(n=7, mean age: $45.00{\pm}3.78yrs$, mean height: $172.50{\pm}2.44cm$, mean body mass: $76.95{\pm}4.40kg$, mean, mean leg length: $97.30{\pm}2.60cm$). They were divided into 3-types of stirrups lengths(67 cm, 72 cm, 77 cm) during trot. The variables analyzed were consisted of the trunk front-rear angle, lower limb joint(Right Left hip, knee, ankle), overall movement index(OMI) of the lower limbs(thigh, shank, foot) and asymmetry index(AI%) during trot. Results : The average angle in hip and knee joint showed more extended posture according to the increase of stirrups lengths and ankle angle showed more plantarflexion posture according to increase of stirrups length during 1 stride in trot. Also, average angle showed more extended posture in right hip and ankle joint than that of left. The angle of knee joint didn't show significant difference statistically between right and left. Also asymmetric index in average angle of hip, knee and ankle joint didn't show significant difference statistically in between lower limbs, but hip joint showed higher asymmetric index in stirrup length of 77 cm and ankle joint showed higher asymmetric index in stirrup length of 67 cm than that of the others respectively. The FR angle in trunk of horse-rider showed relative backward leaning motions at stirrup length of 67 cm and 77 cm than that of stirrup length of 72 cm during stance and swing phase. OMI in thigh, shank, and foot limbs didn't show significant difference statistically according to the stirrups length of right and left lower limbs, but left lower limbs showed higher index than that of right lower limb. Stirrup length of 72 cm in shank and foot limbs showed higher index than that of stirrup length of 67 cm and 77 cm. But stirrup length of 72 cm showed higher asymmetric index than that of stirrups length of 67 cm and 77 cm. Conclusions : When considering the above, 72 cm(ratio of lower limb 74.04%) stirrup lengths could be useful in posture correction and stabilization than 67cm(ratio of lower limb 68.69%) and 77 cm(ratio of lower limb 79.18%) stirrup lengths during trot in horse back riding.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.157-165
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• 2015

Object : The goals of this research were to make Performance Enhanced Model(PE) taken the largest performance index (PI) through artificial variation of principle components calculated by principle component analysis for trial data, and to verify the effect through comparing kinematic factors between trial data (Raw) and PE. Method : Ten subjects (5 men, 5 women) were recruited and 80% of their maximal record was considered. The PI is a regression equation. In order to develop PE, we extracted Principle components from trial position data (by Principle Components Analysis (PCA)). Before PCA, we made 17 position data to 3 row matrix according to components. We calculated 3 eigen value (principle components) through PCA. And except Y (medial-lateral direction) component (because motion of Y component is small), principle components of X (anterior-posterior direction) and Z (vertical direction) components were changed as following. Changed principle components = principle components + principle components ${\times}$ k. After changing the each principle component, we reconstructed position data using the changed principle components and calculated performance index (PI). A Paired t-test was used to compare Raw data and Performance Enhanced Model data. The level of statistical significance was set at $p{\leq}0.05$. Result : The PI was significantly increased about 12.9kg at PE ($101.92{\pm}6.25$) when compared to the Raw data ($91.29{\pm}7.10$). It means that performance can be increased by optimizing 3D positions. The difference of kinematic factors as follows : the movement distance of the bar from start to lock out was significantly larger (about 1cm) for PE, the width of anterior-posterior bar position in full phase was significantly wider (about 1.3cm) for PE and the horizontal displacement toward the weightlifter after beginning of descent from maximal height was significantly greater (about 0.4cm) for PE. Additionally, the minimum knee angle in the 2-pull phase was significantly smaller (approximately 2.7cm) for the PE compared to that of the Raw. PE was decided at proximal position from the Raw (origin point (0,0)) of PC variation). Conclusion : PI was decided at proximal position from the Raw (origin point (0,0)) of PC variation). This means that Performance Enhanced Model was decided by similar motion to the Raw without a great change. Therefore, weightlifters could be accept Performance Enhanced Model easily, comfortably and without large stress. The Performance Enhance Model can provide training direction for athletes to improve their weightlifting records.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.175-182
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• 2015

Objective : The purpose of this study was to investigate difference in fascicle behavior of the medial gastrocnemius during the locomotion with varying intensities, such as gait and one-legged and two-legged vertical jumping. Methods : Six subjects (3 males and 3 females; age: $27.2{\pm}1.6yrs.$, body mass: $62.8{\pm}9.8kg$, height: $169.6{\pm}8.5cm$) performed normal gait (G) at preferred speed and maximum vertical jumping with one (OJ) and two (TJ) legs. While subjects were performing the given tasks, the hip, knee and ankle joint motion and ground reaction force was monitored using a 8-infrared camera motion analysis system with two forceplates. Simultaneously, electromyography of the triceps surae muscles, and the fascicle length of the medial gastrocnemius were recorded using a real-time ultrasound imaging machine. Results : Comparing to gait, the kinematic and kinetic parameters of TJ and OJ were found to be significantly different. Along with those parameters, change in the medial gastrocnemius (MG) muscle-tendon complex (MTC) length ($50.57{\pm}6.20mm$ for TJ and $44.14{\pm}5.39mm$ for OJ) and changes in the fascicle length of the MG ($18.97{\pm}3.58mm$ for TJ and $20.31{\pm}4.59mm$ for OJ) were observed. Although the total excursion of the MTC and the MG fascicle length during the two types of jump were not significantly different, however the pattern of length changes were found to be different. For TJ, the fascicle length maintained isometric longer during the propulsive phase than OJ. Conclusion : One-legged and two-legged vertical jumping use different muscle-tendon interaction strategies.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.183-190
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• 2015

Objective : Walking with a Material handling is an activity frequently undertaken by agricultural workers in Korea, due to the nature of their work. This study aimed to investigate differences in biomechanical variables according to the mechanical alignment of the lower limbs when walking with a heavy load, and to use this as basic data in the design of various working environments to reduce the skeletomuscular burden on the knee joint. Method : The study subjects comprised of 22 right-foot dominant adult men and women aged between 20 and 23 years. The subjects were divided into a varus or valgus group according to the mechanical alignment of the lower limb by using radiographic findings. The subjects walked without any load and with a load of 10%, 20%, or 30% of their body weight held in front of them. The Kwon3d XP program was used to calculate biomechanical variables. Results : The flexion/extension moment of the knee joint showed a decreasing trend with increased load, irrespective of the mechanical alignment of the lower limb, while the varus group did not show normal compensatory action when supported by one leg at the point of maximum vertical ground reaction force. In addition, in terms of the time taken, subjects showed no difficulties in one-foot support time up to 20%/BW, but at 30%/BW, despite individual differences, there was an increase in single limb. The increased load resulted in a decrease in the ratio of standing phase to ensure physical stability. The valgus group showed a trend of increasing the stability of their center of mass with increasing load, through higher braking power in the early standing phase. Conclusion : In conclusion, although there was no statistical difference in biomechanical variables according to the mechanical alignment of the lower limbs, the varus group showed a more irregular walking pattern with a Material handling than the valgus group, partially proving the association between lower limb alignment and walking with a Material handling.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.191-198
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• 2015

Objective : The purpose of this study was to conduct biomechanical analysis of varying backpack loads on the lower limb movements during downhill walking over $-20^{\circ}$ ramp. Method : Thirteen male university students (age: $23.5{\pm}2.1yrs$, height: $175.7{\pm}4.6cm$, weight: $651.9{\pm}55.5N$) who have no musculoskeletal disorder were recruited as the subjects. Each subject walked over $20^{\circ}$ ramp with four different backpack weights (0%, 10%, 20% and 30% of body weight) in random order at a speed of $1.0{\pm}0.1m/s$. Five digital camcorders and two force plates were used to obtain 3-d data and kinetics of the lower extremity. For each trial being analyzed, five critical instants were identified from the video recordings. Ground reaction force, loading rate, decay rate, and resultant joint moment of the ankle and the knee were determined by the inverse dynamics analysis. For each dependent variable, one-way ANOVA with repeated measures was used to determine whether there were significant differences among four different backpack weight conditions (p<.05). When a significant difference was found, post hoc analyses were performed using the contrast procedure. Results : The results of this study showed that the medio-lateral GRFs at RHC in 20% and 30% body weight were significantly greater than the corresponding value in 0% of body weight. A consistent increase in the vertical GRFs as backpack loads increased was observed. The valgus joint movement of the knee at RTO in 30% body weight was significantly greater than the corresponding values in 0% and 10% body weight. The increased valgus moment of 30% body weight observed in this phase was associated with decelerating and stabilizing effects on the knee joint. The results also showed that the extension and valgus joint moments of the knee were systematically affected by the backpack load during downhill walking. Conclusion : Since downhill walking while carrying heavy external loads in a backpack may lead to excessive knee joint moment, damage can occur to the joint structures such as joint capsule and ligaments. Therefore, excessive repetitions of downhill walking should be avoided if the lower extremity is subjected to abnormally high levels of load over an extended period of time.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.145-156
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• 2007

The purposes of this study were to investigate kinematic parameters of racket head and upper extremities during squash back hand stroke and to provide quantitative data to the players. Five Korean elite male players were used as subjects in this study. To find out the swing motion of the players, the land-markers were attached to the segments of upper limb and 3-D motion analysis was performed. Orientation angles were also computed for angular movement of each segment. The results were as follows. 1) the average time of the back hand swing (downswing + follow-through) was 0.39s (0.24 s + 0.15 s). 2) for each event, the average racket velocity at impact was 11.17m/s and the velocity at the end of swing was 8.03m/s, which was the fastest swing speed after impact. Also, for each phase, 5.10m/s was found in down swing but 7.68m/s was found in follow-through. Racket swing speed was fastest after the impact but the swing speed was reduced in the follow-through phase. 3) in records of average of joints angle, shoulder angle was defined as the relative angle to the body. 1.04rad was found at end of back swing, 1.75rad at impact and it changes to 2.35 rad at the end of swing. Elbow angle was defined as the relative angle of forearm to upper arm. 1.73rad was found at top of backswing, 2.79rad at impact, and the angle was changed to 2.55rad at end of swing. Wrist angle was defined as the relative angle of hand to forearm. 2.48rad was found at top of backswing, 2.86rad at impact, and the angle changes to 1.96rad at end of swing. As a result, if the ball is to fly in the fastest speed, the body has to move in the order of trunk, shoulder, elbow and wrist (from proximal segment to distal segment). Thus, the flexibility of the wrist can be very important factor to increase ball speed as the last action of strong impact. In conclusion, the movement in order of the shoulder, elbow and the wrist decided the racket head speed and the standard deviations were increased as the motion was transferred from proximal to the distal segment due to the personal difference of swing arc. In particular, the use of wrist (snap) may change the output dramatically. Therefore, it was concluded that the flexible wrist movement in squash was very important factor to determine the direction and spin of the ball.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.113-121
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• 2007

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of three different plates($0^{\circ}$, $10^{\circ$}, $20^{\circ}$)under heels on the lower limb muscles and erector spinae during squat exercise. Ten high school korean traditional wrestling players(age: $18.5{\pm}0.7$, weight: $1972.2{\pm}128.5N$, height: $177.8{\pm}6.0cm$, weight of barbell: $1004.5{\pm}132.4N$) performed squat exercise using three different tilting plates under heels at a cadence of 40beats/sec with 80% one repetition maximum load. Surface electrodes were placed on the participants' left and right erector spinae, and rectus femoris, vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, tibialis anterior, biceps femoris, medial gastrocnemius, and lateral gastrocnemius in the right lower extremity. One S-VHS camcorder(Panasonic AG456, 60fields/s) was placed 10m to the side of the participant. To synchronize the video and EMG data, a synchronization unit was used for this study. Average and Peak IEMG values were determined for each participant. For each variable, a one-way analysis of variance was used to determine whether there were significant differences among three different tilting plates under heels. When a significant difference was found in plates type, post hoc analyses were performed using the Tukey procedure. A confidence level of p<.05 was used to determine statistical significance. As a result of this study, maximum nEMG values of the tibialis anterior in $0^{\circ}$ plates was significantly higher than the corresponding values for the other plates during the knee extension. This increased activation in the tibialis anterior muscle indicates an increase in displacement of center of gravity of body. It is very likely that additional muscle activation are needed to stop the forward and backward movement. The results also showed that muscular activities of quadriceps femoris and erector spinae were decreased with increasing angle of plates. This suggests that increasing angle of plate may help to sustain the balance and posture of squat exercise. It is considered that very few significant differences were found among three different plates($0^{\circ}$, $10^{\circ}$, $20^{\circ}$) since elite players with much experience in squat exercise, were chosen as a participant of this study. In order to obtain meaningful results regarding the tilting angle of heel plates in squat exercise, kinetic and 3D kinematic analysis will be needed in the future study.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.11-21
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• 2007

The study was undertaken to present the quantitative materials available in underwater industries, underwater rehabilitation & physical training through comparison & analysis of effects contributing to propulsion of COG by types of fin-kick in underwater activities. For this 3D cinematography was performed for the skilled subjective and conclusions obtained on the basis of analysis of kinematic variables were as follows. In temporal variable the delay in the order of flutter>side>dolphin kick in elapsed time by total & phase resulted in longer sliding phase by larger fin kick of extension & flexion of both leg and thus more contributed in propulsion of COG. than those of the otherwise. In linear variable the contribution ratio to the result of propulsion of COG in both propulsive(mean $35.39{\pm}7.93cm$ in Y axis) and sliding phases(mean $66.36{\pm}11.01cm$ in Y axis)was shown to be order of flutter>dolphin>side fin kick. the maximum velocity of COG in Y direction was showed in both propulsive and sliding phases, and the contribution ratio to the propulsion of COG was in the order of flutter$\geq$dolphin>side fin kick. In angular variable the Significant difference in angle of leg joint by types of fin kick in both leg was showed but no routine order. The Significant difference in angular velocity of leg joint by types of fin kick in both leg was showed in the order of flutter>dolphin$\geq$side fin kick in propulsive but no in sliding phase. The Fluid resistance by tilting angle of trunk in both propulsive and sliding phase was decreased in the order of flutter>dolphin$\geq$side fin kick and tilting angle of trunk of the skilled was smaller than that of the unskilled in difference of maximum mean 7.97degree and minium mean 2.06degree. In summary of the above, It will desirable fin kick type because of more contribution to COG propulsion by the velocity & displacement in Y-axis and less fluid resistance by tilting angle of trunk and larger angular velocity in the case of more delayed in elapsed time of propulsive phase than that of the otherwise.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.31-40
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• 2007

Proper weight shifting is essential for a successful shot in golf swing and this could be described by means of the ground forces between the feet and ground. It is assumed that the ground forces would different according to the club used because the length and swing weight of each club is different. But, in present, it is not clear what changes are made by the change of clubs and this affect the swing motion. Therefore this study focused on the investigation of the changes of the ground forces and ground reaction forces (GRF) by the change of club length. The subjects were three professional male golfers. Four swings (driver, iron 3, iron 5, and iron 7) for each subject were taken by two high speed video cameras and two AMTI force platforms were used to measure the GRF simultaneously. Kwon GRF 2.0 and Mathcad 13 software were used to post processing the data. Changes of the three major component of GRF (Vertical, lateral, anterior-posterior force) at 10 predefined events were analyzed including the maximum. Major findings of this study were as follows. 1. Vertical forces; - There were no significant changes until the top of backswing. - Maximum was occurred at the club horizontal position in the downswing for both feet. The shorter club produced more maximum forces than longer ones in the left foot, but reverse were true for the right foot. - Maximum forces at impact shows the same patterns. 2. Lateral forces; Maximum was occurred at the club horizontal position for both feet, but there were no lateral forces because the direction of two forces was different. Maximum force pattern by different clubs was same as the vertical component. 3. Anterior-posterior forces; - This component made a counter-clock wise moment about a vertical axis located between two foot until the club vertical position was reached during the backswing, and reverse moment were produced when the club reached horizontal at the downswing. - Also this component made a forward moment about a horizontal axis located in the CG during the fore half of the downswing, and a reverse moment until the club reached vertical at the follow through phase. Maximum was occurred at the club vertical in the downswing for both feet. The longer club produced more maximum forces than shorter ones for both feet.