• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.201-207
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• 2014

This study investigated the center of mass and lower extremity kinematic patterns between carved and basic paralell turn during alpine skiing. Six experienced skiers (age: $20.67{\pm}4.72yrs$, body mass: $72.67{\pm}7.15kg$, height: $171.00{\pm}5.51cm$) participated in this study. Each skier were asked to perform carved and basic paralell turn on a $22.95^{\circ}$ groomed slope. Each turn was divided into the initiation phase, steering phase 1 and 2. The results of this study show that the carved turn spent significantly less running time than basic paralell turn at all three phases (p<.05). Also vertical displacement of the center of mass was significantly greater in carved turn at all three phases, whereas inward leaning angle of the center of mass was significantly greater in carved turn at the steering phase 1 and 2 (p<.05). Bilateral knee and hip joint angle were significantly greater in basic paralell turn at the initiation phase and the steering phase 2 (p<.05). On the other hand, left knee and hip joint angle were significantly greater in basic paralell turn at the steering phase 1 (p<.05). In order to perform successful carved turn, we suggest that skiers should coordinate bilateral knee and hip joint angles to adjust the center of mass, depending on three ski turn phases.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.315-321
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• 2016

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze effects of the toe-spring angle of bobsleigh shoes on start speed lap time to develop Korean-specific bobsled shoes suitable for winter environments and for domestic players on the basis of sports science and optimized biomechanical performance. Method: Seven Korean bobsleigh athletes participated in this study, with three pairs of sprint spikes from three companies (Type A, Type B, Type C). To analyze sprint lap time and forefoot bending angle for each shoe, participants were instructed to drag a sled 15 meters from the start line at a maximum sprint. forefoot bending angle was collected by a high speed camera, and lap time speed was measured. Results: Lap time for type B shoes was $3.52{\pm}0.17sec$, type A was $3.55{\pm}0.19sec$, and type C was $3.56{\pm}0.18sec$. Forefoot bending angles were: angle 1, $6.88{\pm}5.55^{\circ}$; angle 2, $9.23{\pm}6.38^{\circ}$; angle 3, $15.56{\pm}5.39^{\circ}$; angle 4, $9.54{\pm}3.85^{\circ}$; angle 5, $9.22{\pm}5.08^{\circ}$; angle 6, $7.66{\pm}6.44^{\circ}$; and angle 7, $4.30{\pm}6.24^{\circ}$ (p<.001). Forefoot bending in angle 3 was as follows: type A, $16.47{\pm}6.01^{\circ}$; type B, $14.30{\pm}4.96^{\circ}$; and type C, $15.90{\pm}5.17^{\circ}$. Conclusion: Hard outsoles and midsoles are better than soft type for reduced start lap time when developing a prototype Korean bobsled shoe.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.17-25
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• 2007

The purpose of the study is to give basic data for the improvement of the skill and to show an exemplary position for squash club members or trainers thru a comparative analysis on the kinematics and kinetics variables on the forehand drive motion in playing squash. The objects of the research are divided into two sections, skilled group(n=8) and unskilled group(n=8). The skilled group is composed of professional players currently working and unskilled group is career of six month, both of lives in B city. In this research, to gather the data 3D motion analysis and test result analysis using force platform was used. The variables are duration, position, segment velocity, segment acceleration and etc. in using force platform. The results are as follows: 1. The duration per phase of the skilled is 0.18sec P1(DS) while that of unskilled is 0.32sec. in P2(FT), the duration of the skilled is 0.29sec, that of unskilled is 0.34sec. Average of the duration of the skilled is 0.48sec, while the unskilled, 0.66sec. 2. Regarding positional movements per event, the unskilled has a relatively higher position in center of gravity, shoulder joint, elbow joint compared with that of the skilled. Generally speaking, positions of the unskilled is higher than the skilled. 3. In segment velocity per event, R-shank, R-upper arm, R-forearm and racket. The skilled is faster than the unskilled. we found a big dig difference in shank. 4. In acceleration per event, there was a big difference in upper-arm and fore-arm of the impact. 5. The skilled group on the force platform shows relatively stable and regular changes while the unskilled shows unstable from the touch down to initial 20% the force value of central support period after the impact moment decreases rapidly and the center of gravity is not moved well. 6. The maximum force value of the skilled is 1019.7N. it is found 19.86% of the total duration. That of the unskilled is 639.2N, it is found 20.67% of total duration.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.191-200
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• 2007

The purpose of this study was to analyze the foot-pressure distribution of trekking boots for assessing their functionality. Subjects participated in this study included 10 university male students who had no injury experience in lower limbs and a normal gait pattern. The size of all subjects was 270mm. Five models of trekking boots, most popular in Korea (A, B, C, D & E company), were selected for the test. Using the PEDAR-X system and PEDAR-X insoles, 5 different walking stages were analyzed for the foot-pressure distribution: (a) straight gait; (b) $45^{\circ}$ turn gait; (c) $25^{\circ}$ uphill gait; and (d) $25^{\circ}$ downhill gait. Results of the foot-pressure distribution and functionality on each stage were as follow; 1. Straight gait - In case of Max ground reaction force, mean plantar pressure and Max plantar pressure, there was not a distinct tendency; however, products manufactured by E and A company showed relatively lower pressure distribution. 2. $45^{\circ}$ turn gait - In Max ground reaction force, mean plantar pressure and Max plantar pressure, there wasn't a distinct tendency; however, products manufactured by E and A company showed relatively lower pressure distribution. Results also revealed that the products manufactured by E and A company were superior to those by other companies in terms of functionality. 3. $25^{\circ}$ uphill gait - In Max ground reaction force, mean plantar pressure and Max plantar pressure, there wasn't a distinct tendency; however, products manufactured by E and C company showed relatively lower pressure distribution. Results also revealed that the products manufactured by E and C company were superior to those by other companies in terms of functionality. 4. $25^{\circ}$ downhill gait - In Max ground reaction force, Mean plantar pressure and Max plantar pressure, there wasn't a distinct tendency; however, products manufactured by E company showed relatively lower pressure distribution. Results also revealed that the products manufactured by E company were superior to those by other companies in terms of functionality. Overall, five pairs of trekking shoes selected in this study showed the excellent performance in several conditions. The findings above may provide us with the important criteria for choosing trekking boots.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.201-208
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• 2007

The purpose of this study is to compare 4 different body punch types(type 1: a punch using a shoulder, type 2: a punch using a waist, type 3: a punch using lower extremities, and type 4: a punch with elbows by your side at chest level) in horseback-riding stance and establish suitable teaching theory and method, which would be a useful reference to Taekwondo instructors on the spot(in Taekwondo dojangs all around Korea). Five exhibition players from Korean national Taekwondo exhibition team participated in this study. Each participant was asked to perform the four different types of punches and their kinematic and kinetic data were recorded with 7 vicon cameras(125Hz) and two force plates(AMTI, 1200Hz). We analyzed displacement, time, resultant center of body mass trajectory, velocity, trunk angular velocity, and ground reaction force(GRF) from each body segment in body punch and the result. I performed 1-way ANOVA(RM) for average values of each player after standardization and statistical significance was set as p<.05. was as the following ; First, they showed a tendency to take the body punch posture with the biggest motion at a shoulder and on descending order a waist and a knee. Second, a mean time for each body punch on ascending order 0.46sec. for type 2, 0.49sec for type 3, 0.50sec. for type 4, and 0.56sec. for type 1. Third, a mean resultant center of body mass trajectory for each body punch the longest 4.07cm for type 3 and the shortest 2.458cm for type 1. Fourth, a mean of maximal velocity of a fist strike was the fastest 5.99m/s for type 3, 5.93m/s for type 4, 5.67m/s for type 2, and 5.01m/s for type 1 on the descending order. Fifth, a mean of maximal trunk angular velocity of the fastest 495.6deg./sec. for type 4 and 337.7deg./sec. for type 1 on the descending order. Sixth, strongest value was type 3, 2 for anterior-posterior ground reaction force(left -54.89N, right 60.58N), type 4 for medial-lateral GRF(left 83.59N, right -80.12N), and type 3 for vertical GRF(left 341.79N, right 426.11N).

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.83-88
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• 2007

The purpose of this study was to investigate the ball velocity changes depending on the different linear momentum of putter head. For this study, two different moving conditions(25cm free fall and 35cm free fall) of putter head were set. And two different types of ground conditions were used which are artificial grass green($180cm{\times}600cm{\times}1cm$) and glass green($40cm{\times}130cm{\times}1cm$). Movements of putter head and ball were recorded with 2 HD video cameras(60 Hz, 1/500s shutter speed). Small size control object($18.5cm{\times}18.5cm{\times}78.5cm$) was used in this study. Ball and putter head velocities were calculated by the First Central Difference Method(Hamill & Knutzen, 1995). Linear momentum of ball and putter head were calculated with mass and its velocities. Before impact, the velocity of the putter head of 35cm free fall was about 30% greater than that of the putter head of 25cm free fall. Linear momentum of putter head of 35cm free fall was about 0.355-0.364kg m/s and 25cm free fall was 0.251 kg m/s. After impact, putter head lost its linear momentum about 14-19% and adjusting time of putter head after impact would be 0.1 second. After 0.1 second, putter moved the route same as before impact. Maximum ball velocities were appeared 0.08s-0.10s after impact no matter what the ground conditions are. Ball velocities struck by 35cm free fall were 30 % faster than 25cm free fall. Linear momentum of ball struck by putter head was greater than that of expected amount because the moving ball has translational energy and rotational energy. Future study must treat three things. One is ball must struck by the different putters with different materials. Another is two-piece ball and three-piece ball should be used for the same condition studies. The other is height of center of rotation of club should be changed. In this study, the height of center of rotation of club head is 71cm from the ground. But recently many golfers used the long putter. Therefore next study should apply the different height of center of rotation of club head.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.99-106
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• 2007

The gait instability in the elderly has been associated with age-related deterioration in physical strength and reducing the potential for elderly falls requires regular exercise. In 2005, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control(NCIPC) reported that most elderly falls occur during activities in daily living(ADL). To better reveal biomechanic mechanisms underlying age-related degeneration in gait stability, and to enhance the assessment of falls risk, an accurate quantification of a person's balance maintenance during locomotion is needed. Instantaneous orientation of the line connecting COP and COM can characterize whole body position with respect to the supporting foot during gait and the angle between this line and the vertical line passing through the COP known as a good assessment to detect the elderly gait instability. Therefore the purpose of this study was to investigate a 6-month walking exercise effects in reducing elderly fall risk factors by using COP-COM inclination angles. Twenty-two community-dwelling elderly participated this study. The participants performed a walking exercise(3 times/week, 1 hour/visit) for 6 months. Laboratory kinematics during walking was assessed at months 0, 3 and 6. Significant increased in gait velocity was found among periods(p=.011, $1.25{\pm}.03$, $1.32{\pm}.03$, and $1.39{\pm}.04\;m/s$ in 0-, 3-, and 6-month, respectively). Also, significant differences in anterior and posteriror inclination angles were found among the periods(p<.05; posterior inclination angles: $12.8{\pm}2.2$, $11.0{\pm}2.9$, & $10.9{\pm}1.9$; anterior inclination angles: $13.7{\pm}1.7$, $14.6{\pm}3.2$, & $1.46{\pm}.21$ in 0month, 3month, & 6month, respectively). These findings provide evidence of significant reduced fall risk factors of community-living older adults associated with a systematic walking program.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.115-125
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• 2007

Grould Reaction force(GRF) is important in human movements and GRF measurements are one of the most frequently used tool in biomechanical studies. In the studies of the golf swing motion, people refer to GRF as weight transfer. A successful golf swing motion requires many segments activation sequences which are controled by the nerve system. Due to the inter- and intra-individual variability of the human movement and the movement strategies, reliability of the measurements are important in human movement studies. Previous golf researches were based on group studies and certain events' values were analyzed. The purposes of this study were to determine the number of trials for the reliable golf swing GRF data collection, to reveal the variability level of the meaningful components of the golf swing GRF, and to classify the types of the golf swing GRF patterns. Twenty three male professional golfers($26.4{\pm}6.6$ years, $174.3{\pm}5.2\;cm$, $71.3{\pm}6.5\;kg$) signed an informed consent form prior to participation in this study. GRFs of driver swings were collected with Kistler 9285 force platform and 9865A amplifier, and calculated by the KwonGRF program(Visol, Korea). Sampling frequency was 1080 Hz. GRF data were trimmed from 1.5 s prior to the impact to 0.5 s after the impact. The number of trials for the reliable GRF collection was determined when the change in floating mean overs the 25 % of the standard deviation of that variable. Variabilities of the variables were determined by the coefficient of variation(CV) of 10 %. The types of GRF patterns were determined by visual inspection of the peak GRF shapes. The minimum number of trials for the reliable golf swing GRF data collection was five. Ten-trial seems more conservative. The value of the peak GRF was more reliable than the value of the impact GRF. The CV of the peak GRF and impact GRF were 7.4 %, 15.2 %, respectively. Because of the +/- sigh of the peak GRF appearance time, it was impossible to calculate CV of the peak GRF appearance time. Golf swing GRF patterns were classified as sing peak type, double peak type, and plateau peak type. This classification suggests the presence of the different golf swing weight transfer strategies.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.11-20
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• 2016

Objective: This study aimed to compare biomechanical data between elite and beginner cyclists during cycle pedaling by performing a comparative analysis and to provide quantitative data for both pedaling performance enhancement and injury prevention. Methods: The subjects of this study included 5 elite cyclists (age: $18{\pm}0years$, body mass: $64.8{\pm}9.52kg$, height: $173.0{\pm}4.80cm$) and 5 amateur cyclists (age: $20{\pm}0years$, mass: $66.6{\pm}2.36kg$, height: $175.6{\pm}1.95cm$). The subjects pedaled on a stationary bicycle mounted on rollers of the same gear (front: 50 T and rear: 17 T = 2.94) and cadence of 90. The saddle height was adjusted to fit the body of each subject, and all the subjects wore shoes with cleats. In order to obtain kinematic data, 4 cameras (GR-HD1KR, JVC, Japan) were installed and set at 60 frames/sec. An electromyography (EMG) system (Telemyo 2400T, Noraxon, USA) was used to measure muscle activation. Eight sets of data from both the left and right lower extremities were obtained from 4 muscles (vastus medialis oblique [VMO], vastus lateralis oblique [VLO], and semitendinosus [Semitend], and lateral gastrocnemius [Gastro]) bilaterally by using a sampling frequency of 1,500 Hz. Five sets of events ($0^{\circ}$, $90^{\circ}$, $180^{\circ}$, $270^{\circ}$, and $360^{\circ}$) and 4 phases (P1, P2, P3, and P4) were set up for the data analysis. Imaging data were analyzed for kinematic factors by using the Kwon3D XP computer software (Visol, Korea). MyoResearch XP Master Edition (Noraxon) was used for filtering and processing EMG signals. Results: The angular velocity at $360^{\circ}$ from the feet was higher in the amateur cyclists, but accelerations at $90^{\circ}$ and $180^{\circ}$ were higher in the elite cyclists. The amateur cyclists had greater joint angles at $270^{\circ}$ from the ankle and wider knee joint distance at $0^{\circ}$, $180^{\circ}$, and $360^{\circ}$ than the elite cyclists. The EMG measurements showed significant differences between P2 and P4 from both the right VLO and Semitend. Conclusion: This study showed that lower body movements appeared to be different according to the level of cycle pedaling experience. This finding may be used to improve pedaling performance and prevent injuries among cyclists.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.115-126
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• 2016

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate plantar foot pressure and static balance according to the type of insole in the elderly. Methods: Thirteen elderly (mean age: $67.08{\pm}2.25years$, mean height: $159.63{\pm}9.64cm$, mean body weight: $61.48{\pm}9.06kg$) who had no previous injury experience in the lower limbs and a normal gait pattern participated in this study. Three models of insoles of the normal, 3D, and triangle types were selected for the test. The Pedar-X system and Pedar-X insoles, 3.3 km/h of walking speed, and a compilation of 20 steps walking stages were used to analyze foot-pressure distribution. Static balance test was conducted using Gaitview AFA-50, and balance (opening eyes, closing eyes) was inspected for 20 s. One-way ANOVA was conducted to test the significance of the results with the three insoles. p-value of less than .05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean foot pressure under the forefoot regions was the lowest with the 3D insole during treadmill walking (p<.05). The mean value under the midfoot was the highest with the 3D insole (left: p<.05, right: p<.01). The mean value under the rearfoot was the lowest with the 3D insole (p<.001). The maximum foot pressure value under the foot regions was the lowest on both sides of the forefoot with the 3D insole. A statistically significant difference was seen only in the left foot (p<.01). The maximum value under the midfoot was the highest with the 3D insole (p<.001). No statistically significant difference was detected on the values under the rearfoot. In the case of vertical ground reaction force (GRF), statistically significant difference was seen only in the left side rearfoot (p<.01). However, static balance values (ENV, REC, RMS, Total Length, Sway velocity, and Length/ENV) did not show significant differences by the type of insole. Conclusion: These results show that functional insoles can decrease plantar pressure and GRF under the forefoot and rearfoot. Moreover, functional insoles can dislodge the overload of the rearfoot and forefoot to the midfoot. However, functional insoles do not affect the static balance in the elderly.