• 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.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
• /
• v.18 no.2
• /
• pp.75-83
• /
• 2008

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between joint moment and joint position angle according to the different walking speeds. According to the different walking speeds(1.5m/s, 1.8m/s, 2.1m/s), experiments were terminated by 8 male subjects. In conclusion, 1. The peak extensor moment of knee joint increased by increasing walking speed, however, walking speed didn't have an effect on peak flexor and abductor moment of knee joint. 2. The position angle of knee joint increased movement of flexion, but other position angles of knee joint didn't have difference when the peak extensor moment generated. 3. The peak joint moment of hip significantly increased in extension, flexion and abduction by increased walking speed. 4. The hip position angle showed more flexible at the hip peak flexor/extensor moment generated. 5. The co-ordination pattern between peak knee joint moment and knee position angle were mathematically modeled by using a least square method. We could get the high level value of R2. We expect to apply this results for evaluating the physical faculty of knee joint.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
• /
• v.20 no.4
• /
• pp.407-414
• /
• 2010

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of taping-tape with or without using spiral taping on vertical jump. The subjects for this study were about 20 years old healthy male college students without muscloskeletal diseases. Data for EMG activity and Ground Reaction Force(GRF) were estimated at three knee angles(i.e., 45, 90 & full degree). As a result, there was no statistical significance in max GRF at 90 and full degree regardless of spiral taping-tape. On the other hand, statistical significance was found when vertically jumping at 45 degree knee angle(p<.05). All the data for EMG activity at the three knee angles were not statistically significant, but there was a trend for a decrease in average EMG activity in elector spinae & Medial gastrocnemius at 90 degree knee angle. Based on these data, initial flexor action of knee was stabilized with spiral taping-tape when vertically jumping, resulting in improved muscular activity in Medial gastrocnemius. In conclusion, taping technique for jumping ability associated muscles like quadriceps is also required to develop.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
• /
• v.26 no.2
• /
• pp.74-81
• /
• 2014

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare kinematics and kinetics on the knee joint between stair gait with unstable shoes and barefoot in healthy adult women. Methods: Seventeen healthy adult women were recruited for this study. The subjects performed stair ascent and descent with unstable shoes and barefoot. The experiment was repeated three times for each stair gait with unstable shoes and barefoot. Measurement and analysis of the movements of the knee joint were performed using a three-dimensional analysis system. Results: Statistically significant differences in the knee muscle force of semimembranosus, biceps femoris-long head, biceps femoris-short head and sartorius, patellar ligament, medial gastrocnemius, and lateral gastrocnemius were observed between unstable shoes and barefoot gait during stair ascent. Statistically significant differences in the knee muscle force of sartorius, rectus femoris, medial gastrocnemius, and lateral gastrocnemius were observed between unstable shoes and barefoot gait during stair descent. Statistically significant differences in the knee flexor moment of semitendinosus, biceps femoris-long head, biceps femoris-short head, sartorius, rectus femoris, vastus intermedialis, medial gastrocnemius, and lateral gastrocnemius were observed between unstable shoes and barefoot gait during stair ascent. Conclusion: Therefore, wearing unstable shoes during stair gait in daily life is considered to influence knee joint kinematics and kinetics due to the unstable shoes, and thus suggest the possibility that reducing the risks of pain, and knee osteoarthritis, stabilizing the knee joint caused by changes in the loading of the knee joint.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
• /
• v.36 no.2
• /
• pp.341-352
• /
• 2006

Purpose: This study was conducted to develop & to determine the effect of an tailored falls prevention exercise for older adults. Method: Subjects consisted of 59 older adults (experimental group : 29, control group : 30) living at nursing homes. Experimental group participated in tailored falls prevention exercise for 16 weeks(3 times a week, 50 min every session). Data were collected before the exercise, 16 weeks & 24 weeks after the beginning of exercise. Results: 1) the experimental group significantly improved the muscle strength of hip extensor & flexor, knee extensor & flexor, ankle dorsiflexor, & plantar flexor compared to the control group. 2) the experimental group significantly decreased the mean time for 10 times chair stand. 3) the experimental group significantly increased the standing time on one leg and the number of heel raise for 30 seconds compared to the control group. In addition more older adults in the experimental group completed the tandem stance & semi-tandem stance for 10 seconds than the control group. 4) The experimental group significantly decreased the mean time of 6m walk and the fall frequency compared to the control group. Conclusions: This results suggest that tailored falls prevention exercise for older adults can improve muscle strength, static & dynamic balance and decrease the fall frequency of older adults.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
• /
• v.14 no.2
• /
• pp.173-176
• /
• 2010

Synovial chondromatosis is a benign lesion forming multiple round cartilagenous nodules or osseous loose bodies in joint cavity. Predilection sites are known as knee, hip and elbow joints. However, the involvement of ankle joint was rarely reported in the literature. Moreover, extraarticular chondromatosis in synovial sheath or bursa of extremities is extremely rare. We present a case of synovial chondromatosis of the left ankle joint and flexor hallucis longus tendon sheath.

• Journal of Mechanical Science and Technology
• /
• v.20 no.8
• /
• pp.1183-1194
• /
• 2006

The aim of this study was to identify the characteristics of the flexion withdrawal reflex modulated by the hip angle and hip movement in spinal cord injury (SCI). The influence of the hip position and passive movement were tested in 6 subjects with chronic SCI. Each subject placed in a supine position and lower leg was fixed with the knee at 5 -45 degree flexion and the ankle at 25-40 degree plantar flexion. A train of 10 stimulus pulses were applied at 200 Hz to the skin of the medial arch to trigger flexion reflexes. From results of the regression analysis, static properties of normalized muscle activation of flexor muscles have the linear relationship with respect to hip angle (P< 0.05). In order to verify the neural contribution of flexion reflex, we compared the static and dynamic gains of estimated muscle activations with measured EMG of ankle flexor muscle. Form this study, we postulate that the torque and muscle response of flexion withdrawal reflex have linear relationship with hip angle and angular velocity.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Precision Engineering
• /
• v.21 no.8
• /
• pp.171-179
• /
• 2004

The purpose of this study is to generate cycling motion for FES (functional electrical stimulation) using knee muscles only. We investigated the possibility by simulation. The musculoskeletal model used in this simulation was simplified as 5-rigid links and 2 muscles (knee extensor and flexor). For the improvement of the present feedforward control in FES, we included feedback path in the control system. The control system was developed based on the biological neuronal system and was represented by three sub-systems. The first is a higher neuronal system that generates the motion command for each joint. The second is the lower neuronal system that divides the motion command to each muscle. And the third is a sensory feedback system corresponding to the somatic sensory system. Control system parameters were adjusted by a genetic algorithm (GA) based on the natural selection theory. GA searched the better parameters in terms of the cost function where the energy consumption, muscle force smoothness, and the cycling speed of each parameter set (individual) are evaluated. As a result, cycling was implemented using knee muscles only. The proposed control system based on the nervous system model worked well even with disturbances.

• Physical Therapy Korea
• /
• v.22 no.2
• /
• pp.1-10
• /
• 2015

The common features of walking in patients with stroke include decreased gait velocity and increased asymmetrical gait pattern. The purpose of this study was to identify important factors related to impairments in gait velocity and asymmetry in chronic stroke patients. The subjects were 30 independently ambulating subjects with chronic stroke. The subjects' impairments were examined, including the isokinetic peak torque of knee extensors, knee flexors, ankle plantarflexors, and ankle dorsiflexors. Passive and active ranges of motion (ROM) of the ankle joint, ankle plantarflexor spasticity, joint position senses of the knee and ankle joint, and balance were examined together. In addition, gait velocity and temporal and spatial asymmetry were evaluated with subjects walking at their comfortable speed. Pearson correlations and multiple regressions were used to measure the relationships between impairments and gait speed and impairments and asymmetry. Regression analyses revealed that ankle passive ROM and peak torque of knee flexors were important factors for gait velocity ($R^2=.41$), while ankle passive ROM was the most important determinant for temporal asymmetry ($R^2=.35$). In addition, knee extensor peak torque was the most significant factor for gait spatial asymmetry ($R^2=.17$). Limitation in ankle passive ROM and weakness of the knee flexor were major contributors to slow gait velocity. Moreover, limited passive ROM in the ankle influenced the level of temporal gait asymmetry in chronic stroke patients. Our findings suggest that stroke rehabilitation programs aiming to improve gait velocity and temporal asymmetry should include stretching exercise for the ankle joint.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
• /
• v.9 no.10
• /
• pp.427-435
• /
• 2009

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of a brisk walking intervention for 8weeks on isokinetic muscular function factor(strength, power, endurance). The following results were found from the current study: First, Isokinetic muscle function(strength, power, endurance) on $60^{\circ}/sec$ in extension and flexion was significant exercise group and interaction in left knee flexion and right knee extension(P<.00l). Secondly, Isokinetic muscle function(strength, power, endurance) on $120^{\circ}/sec$ in extension and flexion was significant exercise group and interaction in left knee flexion and right knee extension(P<.001). Thirdly, Isokinetic muscle function(strength, power, endurance) on $180^{\circ}/sec$ in extension and flexion was significant exercise group and interaction in left knee flexion and right knee extension(P<.001). Considering the above result of the study the brisk walking had more improvement knee flexor and extensor muscular power. Therefore the brisk walking in the study can be proposed as effective plan to prevention hurt from a sarcopenia and to raise quality in life.