• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.13 no.6
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• pp.2664-2671
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• 2012

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between physical characteristics and walking ability in the elderly population. Subjects were 77 elderly (38 men and 39 women) who are capable of walking independently with and without walking aids. Correlation and stepwise multiple linear regression analyses were used to analyze the relationship between physical characteristics (age, gender, height, weight, body mass index, muscle mass, waist/hip ratio, heart rate, vital capacity, flexibility, maximum oxygen consumption, one-leg standing time, and strength of knee flexor and extensor) and walking velocity of subjects. Age, height, vital capacity, one-leg standing time, and strength of knee flexor and extensor showed significant correlations with walking velocity of subjects (p<.05). Further, the strength of knee flexor explained 27% of the variance, and up to 32% of the walking velocity could be explained when the strength of knee extensor were added to the model. The findings suggest that walking velocity of elderly depends on the strength of lower limb's strength and a variety of physical characteristics.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.192-204
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• 2004

The surface electromyographic(sEMG) analyses were knee joint angle during open kinetic chain exercise (OKC) and close kinetic chain exercise (CKC) in vastus medialis (VM), vastus lateralis (VL), and rectus femoralis (RF). Ten subjects with normal , aged 20 to 30(X=27.4, SD=3.23), were randomized Statistical techniques for data analysis were applied paired t-test. The 0.05 level of significane was used as the critical level for rejection of the null hypotheses for the study. And the results were: 1) Both OKC and CKC improved the strength of quadriceps muscle as the knee joint flexion was increased. 2) In OKC, the strength of VM was improved the most at the 30 degree angle. 3) In CKC, the strength of VM was improved the most at the 30 degree angle. 4) The VM/VL ratio was the largest at the 10 and 20 degree angles in OKC and CKC. 5) The VM/VL ratio at 10, 20, and 30 degree angles was significantly different between OKC and CKC (P < 0.05). Base on the results, the OKCE is recommended for the knee joint patients, especially for the patellofemoral pain syndrome patients, during the early phase of rehabilitation. In order to improve strength of the quadriceps, muscle strength training at 30 degree angle is recommended. In order to improve VM/VL ratio, 10 and 20 degree angles are recommended during OKCE and CKCE, respectively. Future researches are warranted comparing electromyographic analysis between OKCE and CKCE in the quadriceps at a certain work lead, and muscle strength performance in the quadriceps at different positions of foot.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.8-16
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• 2015

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of mobilization of the sciatic nerve on hamstring flexibility, lower limb strength, and gait performance in patients with chronic stroke. This study was a randomized clinical trial with a crossover design. Sixteen subjects were recruited for this study. The subjects were randomly divided into two intervention groups and underwent either of the following two interventions: sciatic nerve mobilization or static stretching of the hamstring. We assessed hamstring flexibility, lower limb strength, and gait performance using a digital inclinometer, a hand-held dynamometer, and the 10-meter walk test, respectively. Subjects had a 24-hour rest period between each session in order to minimize carryover effects. Measurements for each test were assessed prior to and immediately after the intervention sessions. Using a two-way analysis of variance test with repeated measures, data from the two trials were analyzed by comparing the differences between both techniques. The level of statistical significance was set at .05. Sciatic nerve mobilization resulted in significantly better knee extensor strength (p=.023, from $15.32{\pm}5.98$ to $18.16{\pm}6.95kg$) and knee flexor strength (p=.011, from $7.80{\pm}4.80$ to $8.15{\pm}4.24kg$) in the experimental group than in the control group. However, no significant effects of static stretching of the hamstring were observed on hamstring flexibility from the ankle plantar flexion (p=.966) and ankle neutral positions (p=.210) and on gait performance (p=.396). This study indicated that the sciatic nerve mobilization technique may be more effective in muscle activation of the knee extensor muscle and knee flexor muscle than hamstring static stretching technique in patients with chronic stroke.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Precision Engineering
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• v.30 no.7
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• pp.762-768
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• 2013

This study investigated the effect of whole-body vibration on muscle function and muscular reaction in the knee joint. We recruited thirty healthy subjects and divided them into a training group, who experienced whole-body vibration, and a control group, who did not. The training group performed whole-body vibration exercises for 30 min per day, 3 days a week, for 8 weeks. We measured knee joint torque to estimate muscle strength and reaction, using BIODEX System 3. Knee joint peak torque and total work performed increased significantly in the training group, and muscle acceleration time decreased. These results suggest that stimulation by whole-body vibration can improve muscle strength and reaction by improving muscle tone and increasing blood temperature and flow speed in muscular fiber. Our results also indicate that 4 weeks of exercise with whole-body vibration is required to improve the reaction response, and six weeks to improve strength.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.11-22
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• 2005

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of aquatic health exercise program for the old. Methods: 20 healthy female with an average age of 71years($71{\pm}4.2$), were participated in this study. The aquatic health exercise program that include warm-up, stretching, strengthening exercise, WATSU and cool-down was performed in the pool two times a week for eight weeks(40min per one session). Body composition, strength of the both knee flexors and extensors, balance ability(sway area and path), whole body reaction time and flexibility(forward reaching test in long sitting) were measured before and after exercise. The data was analyzed with paired t-test to determine significant differences of all suggested factors between pre and post-exercise by make use of the SPSS(ver 10.0) package program. Results: The strength of the both knee flexors and extensors were increased significantly(right knee; p<0.01, left knee; p<0.05). Anteroposterior sway area (p<0.01), and sway path (p<0.001) of both leg were reduced significantly with eyes closed and opened. Whole body reaction time by optical stimulation was increased significantly (p<0.01) but whole body reaction time by auditory stimulation was no significant difference. The flexibility was increased significantly (p<0.01). Conclusion: Aquatic health exercise program can improve muscle strength, balance, whole body reaction, and flexibility.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.31-43
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• 2002

The subjects of this study were 15 woman soccer players and 15 untrained woman students at H-Cheju University. Each subject was measured on the muscle strength and peak torque of knee extensors and knee flexors with isokinetic load ($60^{\circ}$/sec, $180^{\circ}$/sec). The results were as follows: 1. There was no significant difference between right and left leg strength measured isokinetically in each group. 2. The peak torque of knee extensors and flexors was significantly higher in scoccer players than untrainded students (p<0.001). 3. For the angle of knee joint showing the highest peak torque, there was significant difference between soccer players and untrained students in knee extensors(p<0.05) and right flexors (p<0.01). 4. For knee H/Q ratio, there was significant difference between two groups(p<0.05). 5. For the total work and average power at $180^{\circ}$/sec, there was significant difference between two groups in knee extensors(p<0.001) and flexors(p<0.01). 6. In soccer players at $60^{\circ}$/sec, there were significant correlations between peak torque and height and between peak torque and weight.(p<0.001). 7. For the muscular contraction velocity at $60^{\circ}$/sec, there was significant difference between two groups in flexors (p<0.01). 8. For the muscular indurance at $180^{\circ}$/sec in extensors and flexors, there was no significant difference between two groups(p<0.05). In conclusion, there were significantly higher in peak torque, contraction velocity, knee joint's angle with the highest peak torque, H/Q ratio, total work and average power in woman scoccer player than general students. But there was no significant difference in muscular endurance. Soccer performance is based on the various components including muscular endurance that is one of the most important components. So it is necessary that the training method to improve the various components (especially including muscular endurance) should be done.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.149-157
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• 2013

In the present study, we aimed to elucidate how muscle strength and activity are affected by movement pattern(bilateral [BLM] & unilateral movement [ULM]) and movement velocity($0^{\circ}$/s, $60^{\circ}$/s, $120^{\circ}$/s) at maximum effort, and to elucidate the relationship between a left/right asymmetry and bilateral deficit. A total of 18 healthy males participated in the study. Each participant performed maximum knee extension bilaterally and unilaterally while the EMG and moment were recorded, and then the relationships between the asymmetry and bilateral deficit were analyzed. The peak moments for the isokinetic motion at $60^{\circ}$/s and $120^{\circ}$/s and overall muscle activities of lower extremity were significantly reduced for the BLM in comparison to the ULM. And though the asymmetry in ULM were maintained during BLM at all velocities, the bilateral deficits at the velocity of $0^{\circ}\acute{y}$/s and $120^{\circ}\acute{y}$/s were significantly correlated with increased asymmetries of muscle strength in ULM. In conclusion, the reduction in the muscle strength exhibited in bilateral knee extension was shown to arise partially from a reduction in muscle activity, and left/right asymmetry was found to be associated with mechanical reduction in bilateral movement. These findings suggest that training aimed at increasing muscle strength must involve methods and strategies intended to reduce left/right asymmetry.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.12-17
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• 2017

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of backrest angle on lower extremity muscle strength in adult. Method: This research results are based on 10 healthy adults. 10 degree difference in pelvic angle does not effect the cross-connection of the Hamstring muscles, and created 3 types of rest with 20 degree differences each at 95, 115, and 135 degree angles. Result: significantly difference in contractibility muscle strength in accordance to the 3 rake angle. Conclusion: After putting together all these results, since both the expansibility muscle strength and contractibility muscle strength of the knee showed to be effected as the backrest angle changed during isokinetic muscle strength assessment, further research should be conducted if similar research results as this study can be acquired at various angles.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.39-46
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• 2019

Background: Ground repulsion or impact on the ground during daily activities, sports, or occupational activities may cause injury to the knee when walking. Non-elastic taping is effective in treating these problems in previous studies. Non-elastic taping strengthens the structure of the soft tissues of the injured knee joint to maintain constant tension, improves muscle rearrangement and function, and improves proprioception. Based on previous studies, we intended to see the therapeutic changes of non-elastic taping in patients with patellofemoral joint pain syndrome. Methods: The non-elastic taping application method was applied to the patient three times for five hours for one week. Non-elastic taping was applied to the patellar tendon with little space above the skin segment of the patellar femur, with both sides fixed by taping. Muscle strength and gait change were evaluated with non-elastc taping. Results: The knee flexion, extension strength and gait evaluation of the knee joint with inelastic taping showed significant differences after treatment. There was a significant difference in the comparison between the two groups after the treatment method was applied (p<.05). Conclusion: As a result, this study confirms that the non-elastic taping method applied for the treatment of patellar femoral joint pain syndrome is effective in the treatment.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.17-24
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• 2023

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different frequency on of knee extensors muscle function during electrical muscle stimulation (EMS). Method: In this research, 40 subjects who have no musculoskeletal disorder, and less than a year workout experience were recruited in order to analyze effects of EMS with different stimulus frequency. Forty subjects were randomly divided into four groups of ten subjects in each group. A EMS training program with different frequencies (without EMS [WE], EMS with frequency 30 Hz [E30], EMS with frequency 60 Hz [E60], EMS with frequency 90 Hz [E90]) was assigned to each group. Throughout eight weeks of training, test subjects were simultaneously carried out knee extension exercises such as squat, leg extension, and leg-press while using EMS with different frequency (20 min, pulse width 250 ㎲, on-off ratio 1:1). Isokinetic knee extension strength, muscle activity of the rectus femoris (RF), the vastus medialis (VM), and the vastus lateralis (VL), and the median frequency of the RF, the VM, and the VL were collected and compared between pre and post training in order to find effects of applying EMS with different frequencies. For each dependent variable, a one-way ANOVA was to determine whether there were significant differences among four different conditions (p<.05). When a significant difference was found, post hoc analyses were performed using the contrast procedure. Results: When compared to WE and E90, E30 causes significant increase in isokinetic knee extension strength. No significant differences were found in EMG values across different EMS conditions. However, the median frequency of the VM in E30 was significantly increased than the corresponding value for WE. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that EMS training with 30 Hz frequency had positive effect on knee extensor. Based of the findings of the present study, EMS training with lower frequency may help the performer to focus on developing strength in knee extensor muscles.