• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2011

The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in kinetic and kinematic variables associated with an increase in upper body weight. Eighteen healthy male university students($175.96{\pm}4.19\;cm$, $70.79{\pm}8.26\;kg$) participated. Eight motion analysis cameras(Qualysis Oqus 500) and 2 force AMTI platforms(Advanced Mechanical Technologies Inc. OR6-7, US) were used to record motion and forces during the drop landing at a frequency of 120 Hz and 1200 Hz, respectively. QTM software(Qualisys Track Manager) was used to record the data, and the variables were analyzed with Visual 3D and Matlab 2009. For the drop landing, a box of $4{\times}2{\times}0.46\;m$ was constructed from wood. Knee and ankle maximum flexion angle, knee flexion angle, knee and ankle angle at landing, time for maximum ankle flexion after landing, and time for maximum knee flexion after landing were calculated. There was a significant change in the time for maximum and minimum ground force reaction and the time for maximum dorsal flexion after landing(p<.05) with increasing weight. There was no significant change for the hip, knee, and ankle ROM, whereas there was an increase in the angle ROM as the weight increased, in the order of ankle, knee, and hip ROM. This result shows that the ankle joint ROM increased with increasing weight for shock attenuation during the drop landing. There was a trend for greater ankle ROM than knee ROM, but there was no clear change in the ROM of the hip joint with increasing weight. In conclusion, this study shows the importance of ankle joint flexibility and strength for safe drop landing.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.1-8
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• 2013

This study analyzes how different knee flexion angles affect the abdominal and pelvic muscle activity during supine bridging. Twenty healthy subjects participated in the study. We used surface electromyography (EMG) to measure how three different knee flexion angles ($100^{\circ}$, $70^{\circ}$, and $40^{\circ}$) affected the activity of the transverse abdominis/internal oblique (TrA/IO), external oblique (EO), biceps femoris (BF), rectus femoris (RF), and gluteus maximus (GM) muscles on the dominant side during supine bridging. The one-way repeated analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine the statistical significance of TrA/IO, EO, BF, RF and GM muscle activity and the GM/BF activity ratio. For the TrA/IO, EO, BF, and GM muscles, supine bridging with different knee flexion angles resulted in significant differences in abdominal and pelvic muscle activity. For the TrA/IO muscles, the post-hoc test demonstrated that muscle activity significantly increased at $40^{\circ}$ compared to $70^{\circ}$; however, there were no significant differences between $100^{\circ}$ and $70^{\circ}$ or $100^{\circ}$ and $40^{\circ}$. For the EO muscle, the post-hoc test demonstrated that muscle activity significantly increased at $40^{\circ}$ compared to $100^{\circ}$ and $70^{\circ}$; no significant difference was observed between angles $100^{\circ}$ and $70^{\circ}$. For the BF muscle, the post-hoc test demonstrated that muscle activity significantly increased according to the knee flexion angle ($40^{\circ}$ > $70^{\circ}$ > $100^{\circ}$). For the GM muscle, the post-hoc test demonstrated that muscle activity significantly increased according to the knee flexion angle ($100^{\circ}$ > $70^{\circ}$ > $40^{\circ}$). However, for the RF muscle, there was no significant difference. Additionally, the GM/BF activity ratio significantly increased according to the knee flexion angle ($100^{\circ}$ > $70^{\circ}$ > $40^{\circ}$). From these results, we can conclude that bridging with a knee flexion of $100^{\circ}$ can strengthen the GM muscle, whereas bridging with a knee flexion of $40^{\circ}$ is recommended to strengthen the IO, EO, and BF muscles. We can also conclude that knee flexion angles should be modified during supine bridging to increase the muscle activity of different target muscles.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.27-33
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• 2014

In volleyball, the most common injuries are anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears. For this reason, volleyball players frequently use knee brace as prophylactic and rehabilitation measures. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of knee brace on anterior cruciate ligament injuries risk factors during spike take off in female volleyball players. Fifteen female volleyball players were recruited and performed randomly spike take off with and without knee brace. Kinematics and ground reaction data were collected to estimate the anterior cruciate ligament injuries risk factors. The ACL risk factors are knee maximum flexion angle, thigh maximum adduction angle, thigh maximum internal rotation angle, shank maximum abduction angle, shank maximum external rotation angle, knee maximum extension moment and knee maximum abduction moment. Data were analyzed with paired samples t-test with Bonfferoni collection. Female volleyball players with knee brace had no significant results in knee maximum flexion angle, thigh maximum adduction angle, thigh maximum internal rotation angle, shank maximum abduction angle and shank maximum external rotation angle compare to without knee brace. Female volleyball players, however, with knee brace showed more reduced knee maximum extension moment and knee maximal abduction moment than without knee brace. In conclusion, Female volleyball players with knee brace reduced anterior cruciate ligament stress.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.65-73
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• 2012

The purpose of this study was to identify the saddle to pedal length contributing to successful performance in kayak using a kayak ergometer. Ten male elite kayak players participated in this study. players were tested on the kayak ergometer which was varied saddle to pedal length by the knee flexion angle(90deg; 120deg; 150deg) to measure stroke frequency, paddling amplitude, joint angle, RoM and angular velocity, foot pressure and force, iEMG using the 3D motion system, foot pressure system and EMG wireless system. At a results, rowing at 120deg on knee flexion angle showed higher stroke frequency and paddling amplitude than other knee flexion angles. RoM at upper extremity showed not significant difference between knee flexion angles. But there were significant differences in thorax and pelvis rotation RoM, knee flexion-extension RoM in each condition. In addition, foot pressure, force and iEMG were significantly different in knee flexion angles. Study showed that changed of saddle to pedal length affected rowing performance kinds of stroke frequency, paddling amplitude. The most important thing, increased range of motion in pelvic and thorax has occurred by force that generated foot-bar to seat. Not only that, but it seems to be attributed to a technical adaptation developed to maximum rowing performance.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.110-119
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• 2023

Background: Osteoarthritis is a common condition with an increasing prevalence and is a common cause of disability. Osteoarthritic pain decreases the quality of life, and simple gait training is used to alleviate it. Knee osteoarthritis limits joint motion in the sagittal and lateral directions. Although many recent studies have activated orthotic research to increase knee joint stabilization, no study has used patellar tendon straps to treat knee osteoarthritis. Objects: This study aimed to determine the effects of patellar tendon straps on kinematic, mechanical, and electromyographic activation in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Methods: Patients with knee osteoarthritis were selected. After creating the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), leg length difference, Q-angle, and thumb side flexion angle of the foot were measured. Kinematic, kinetic, and muscle activation data during walking before and after wearing the orthosis were viewed. Results: After wearing the patellar tendon straps, hip adduction from the terminal stance phase, knee flexion from the terminal swing phase, and ankle plantar flexion angle increased during the pre-swing and initial swing phases. The cadence of spatiotemporal parameters and velocity increased, and step time, stride time, and foot force duration decreased. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, the increase in plantar flexion after strap wearing is inferred by an increase due to neurological mechanisms, and adduction at the hip joint is inferred by an increase in adduction due to increased velocity. The increase in cadence and velocity and the decrease in gait speed and foot pressure duration may be due to joint stabilization. It can be inferred that joint stabilization is increased by wearing knee straps. Thus, wearing a patellar tendon strap during gait in patients with knee osteoarthritis influences kinematic changes in the sagittal plane of the joint.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.1-8
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• 2016

Background: Various methods are used for recovery of knee flexion range of motion (ROM) due to a tightened rectus femoris muscle (RFM) or limited inferior glide of the patella. Stretching methods are common interventions for restoring the tightened RFM length. Also patellar inferior gliding (PIG) technique can recover tightened RFM length too. However, effect of applying the PIG to passive knee flexion (PKF) has not been studied. Objects: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of combining PIG with RFM stretching for improving knee flexion ROM in subjects with RFM tightness. Methods: Twenty-six subjects with RFM tightness were recruited. Two different methods of knee stretching were tested: 1) PKF during modified Thomas test (MTT) and 2) PKF with PIG during MTT. The passive stretching forces was controlled by hand-held dynamometer. The knee flexion ROM angle was measured by a MTT with ImageJ software. Differences between the conditions with and without PIG were identified with a paired t-test. Results: The knee flexion ROM was significantly greater for PKF with PIG ($114.44{\pm}9.33$) than for PKF alone ($108.97{\pm}9.42$) (p<.001). Conclusion: A combination of passive knee flexion exercise and PIG can be more effective than PKF in increasing knee flexion ROM in individuals with RFM tightness.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.205-211
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• 2021

Objective: This study aimed to identify the effects of assuming different knee angles and hip abduction during bridge exercise and hip thrust exercise on lower body muscle activity. Design: Cross-sectional study Methods: Thirty-three healthy adults (18 men and 15 women) were instructed to perform the bridge and hip thrust exercises while randomly assuming 120°, 90° and 60° of knee flexion and 0° and 30° of hip abduction. EMG data (%maximum voluntary isometric contraction) were recorded three times from the erector spinae (ES), gluteus maximus (GM) and biceps femoris (BF) muscles of participant's dominant side and the mean values were analyzed. Results: The results showed that, during the hip thrust compared to the bridge exercise, there was significantly greater gluteus maximus muscle activity in all hip conditions while the biceps femoris activity was significantly less, and the erector spinae muscle activity was significantly greater with 30° of hip abduction (p<0.05). With all exercises, the erector spinae and the biceps femoris exhibited significantly greater muscle activity with 60° of knee flexion compared to 90° and 120° of knee flexion (p<0.05), and significantly greater muscle activity with 90° compared to 120° of knee flexion (p<0.05). In the case of the gluteus maximus, greater muscle activity was exhibited with 120° compared to 60° of knee flexion with all hip abduction conditions (p<0.05). Conclusions: It was effective for muscle activation of main agonists such as the gluteus maximus and erector spinae during thrust exercise, and the change in knee flexion angle was effective for muscle activation of the gluteus maximus. Therefore, it is considered that this study can be used as a selective indicator of the target movement angle during hip strengthening exercise for specific muscles.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.375-382
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• 2020

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the muscle contraction onset time characteristics of the gluteus maximus, semitendinosus, and biceps femoris muscles at different knee flexion angles in individuals with shortened or over-lengthened hamstrings performing prone hip extension. Methods: Twenty-six participants were divided into a hamstring shortened group (n = 12) and hamstring lengthened group (n = 14). Wireless surface electromyography was used to verify the muscle onset time of the gluteus maximus, semitendinosus, and biceps femoris when performing prone hip extension at different knee flexion angles. Results: There were significant differences in the muscle onset times of the semitendinosus and biceps femoris between the hamstring shortened group and hamstring lengthened group (p < 0.05). In addition, there was a significant difference in the muscle contraction onset times among of the gluteus maximus, semitendinosus, and biceps femoris muscles when performing prone hip extension at a knee flexion of 90° in the hamstring shortened group (p < 0.05) and a knee flexion angle of 0° in the hamstring lengthened group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: In all groups, there was no effect on the onset time of the gluteus maximus muscle according based on the knee angle. In addition, the knee flexion angles affected the onset time of the muscle contraction of the gluteus maximus muscle in the hamstring shortened group and hamstring lengthened group with an abnormal length of the hamstring muscle.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.391-395
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• 2011

To investigate the anticipatory effect on landing patterns during side-cutting maneuver, thirteen healthy female elite college soccer players participated in this study. Three-dimensional knee kinematics, effective mass and correlation between both these were measured and analyzed using a motion analysis and force plates. Each testing session included anticipated tasks, $45^{\circ}$ side-cutting tasks (AC), followed by a set of unexpected side-cutting (UC) in a random order. Knee flexion/extension, valgus/varus and internal/external rotation angles and effect mass were compared by using paired t-test. Also, correlation analysis was performed to identify the relationship between knee angles and effective mass. Effective mass during UC was greater than that during AC. Effective mass and maximum knee flexion angle were positively correlated during AC and not during UC. Based on the relationship between effective mass and knee flexion angle in AC, shock absorption can be controlled by knee joint flexion in pre-predicted movement condition. However, effective mass can not be controlled by knee flexion in UC condition. The unexpected load affects were more irregular on the knee joint, which may be one of the injury mechanisms of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in female soccer players.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.9-15
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• 2016

Background: Squatting is one of the best functional exercises to strengthen the quadriceps muscle in independent gait and activities of daily living. Although the use of a gym ball during squat exercise is the most common way of strengthening the vastus medialis oblique (VMO) muscle, published data on this subject are limited. Objects: The purpose of this study was to compare the sequential muscle activation of the VMO and vastus lateralis (VL) muscles during squat exercise using a gym ball at different knee flexion angles. Methods: Forty healthy adults were randomly divided into experimental (squat exercise using a gym ball) and control (squat exercise alone) groups, in which squats were performed at $45^{\circ}$ and $90^{\circ}$ knee flexion. Electromyographic (EMG) activity data were collected over 10 seconds under the 2 angles of knee flexion ($45^{\circ}$ and $90^{\circ}$). Results: There was significant group and time interaction effect for VMO and VL muscle activation at $45^{\circ}$ knee flexion. This was similarly demonstrated at $90^{\circ}$ knee flexion. No significant group main effect and time main effect for VMO and VL muscle activation were noted at $45^{\circ}$ knee flexion, respectively. In contrast, there was significant group main effect and time main effect for VMO and VL muscle activation at $90^{\circ}$ knee flexion. These significant differences were demonstrated through two-way analysis of variance over repeated measurements, suggesting that the EMG activity of the VMO muscle during squatting with a gym ball showed remarkable improvement compared to that of the VL muscle. Conclusion: This research suggests that squat exercise using a gym ball may be more beneficial in improving the activity of VMO than of the VL muscle at both $45^{\circ}$ and $90^{\circ}$ of knee flexion, respectively. We highly recommend squat exercises with a gym ball for selective strengthening of the VMO muscle in knee rehabilitation.