• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
• /
• v.28 no.2
• /
• pp.143-149
• /
• 2018

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the influence of landing foot orientations on biomechanics of knee joint in order to identify vulnerable positions to non-contact knee injuries during single-legged landing. Method: Seventeen men (age: $20.5{\pm}1.1 years$, height: $175.2{\pm}6.4cm$, weight: $68.8{\pm}5.8kg$) performed single-leg drop landings repeatedly with three different landing foot orientations. They were defined as toe-in (TI) $30^{\circ}$ adduction, neutral (N, neutral), and toe-out (TO) $30^{\circ}$ abduction positions. Results: The downward phase time of TI was significantly shorter than those of N and TO. The flexion and valgus angle of N was greater than those of TI and TO at the moment of foot contact. At the instance of maximum knee flexion, N showed the largest flexion angle, and TO position had the largest varus and external rotation angles. Regarding ground reaction force (GRF) at the moment of foot contact, TO showed the forward GRF, while others showed the backward GRF. TI indicated significantly larger mediolateral GRF than others. As for the maximum knee joint force and joint moment, the main effect of different foot positions was not significant. Conclusion: TI and TO might be vulnerable positions to knee injuries because both conditions might induce combined loadings to knee joint. TI had the highest mediolateral GRF with a shortest foot contact time, and TO had induced a large external rotation angle during downward phase and the peak forward GRF at the moment of foot contact. Conclusively, N is the preferred landing foot orientation to prevent non-contact knee injuries.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
• /
• v.24 no.2
• /
• pp.151-160
• /
• 2014

The purpose of this study was to investigate the GRF(ground reaction force) parameters according to the shoes's heel heights and ground landing distances during downward stairs on bus. Participants selected as subject were consisted of young and healthy women(n=9, mean age: $21.30{\pm}0.48$ yrs, mean height: $164.00{\pm}3.05cm$, mean body mass: $55.04{\pm}4.41kg$, mean BMI: $20.47{\pm}1.76kg/m^2$, mean foot length: $238.00{\pm}5.37mm$). They were divided into 2-types of shoe's heel heights(0 cm/bare foot, 9 cm) and also were divides into downward stairs with 3 types of landing distance(20 cm, 35 cm, 50 cm). A one force-plate was used to collect the GRF(AMTI, USA) data from the sampling rate of 1000 Hz. The GRF parameters analyzed were consisted of the medial-lateral GRF, anterior-posterior GRF, vertical GRF, loading rate, Center of Pressure(${\Delta}COPx$, ${\Delta}COPy$, COP area) and Dynamic Postural Stability Index(MLSI, APSI, VSI, DPSI) during downward stairs on bus. Medial-lateral GRF and vertical GRF didn't show significant differences statistically according to the shoe's heel heights and landing distance, but 9 cm shoes heel showed higher vertical GRF than that of 0 cm bare foot in landing distance of 50 cm. Also anterior-posterior GRF didn't show significant difference statistically according to the shoe's heel heights, but landing distance of 20 cm showed higher than that of landing distances of 35 cm and 50 cm in anterior-posterior GRF. Loading rate didn't show significant difference statistically according to the landing distance, but 9 cm shoe's heel showed higher than that of 0 cm bare foot during downward stairs. The ${\Delta}COPy$ and COP area didn't show significant differences statistically according to the shoe's heel heights and landing distance, but 0 cm bare foot showed higher than that of 9 cm shoe's heel in ${\Delta}COPx$. Dynamic Postural Stability Index(MLSI, APSI, VSI, DPSI) didn't show significant differences statistically according to the landing distance, but 9 cm shoe's heel showed decreased value than that of 0 cm bare foot in dynamics balance. Considering the above, parameters of GRF showed different characteristics according to the shoe's heel heights and ground landing distances during downward stairs on bus.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
• /
• v.24 no.1
• /
• pp.51-57
• /
• 2014

The purpose of this study was to compare and analyze kinetic variables of lower limbs according to types of ankle taping in drop landing. For this, targeting seven male basketball players (average age: $20.8{\pm}0.74yrs$, average height: $187.4{\pm}3.92cm$, average weight: $79.8{\pm}7.62kg$) with no instability of ankle joints, the drop landing motion was conducted according to three types of inelastic taping (C-type), elastic taping (K-type), and no treatment (N-taping). Based on the result, the next conclusion was reached. First, the effect of taping for the players with stable ankles was minimal and the high load on ankle joints offset the fixing effect of inelastic taping. Thus the inelastic taping for the players with stable ankles did not have an effect on the control of dorsal flexion during one-foot landing. Second, increasing angular velocity by increasing the movable range of knee joints disperses impact forces, yet inelastic taping restricted the range of knee joint motion and at the same time increased angular velocity, adding to a negative effect on knee joints. Third, inelastic taping induced inefficient motion of Lower limbs and unstable impact force control of ankle joints at the moment of landing and produced maximum vertical ground reaction force, which led to an increase of load. Therefore, inelastic ankle taping of players whose jump actions occur very often should be reconsidered. Also, it is thought that this study has a great meaning in proving the problem of inelastic taping related to knee pain with unknown causes.

• Physical Therapy Korea
• /
• v.12 no.1
• /
• pp.28-35
• /
• 2005

The purpose of this study was to determine whether gender differences existed in knee valgus kinematics in college students when performing a vertical drop landing. The hypothesis of this study was that females would demonstrate greater knee valgus motion. These differences in knee valgus motion may be indicative of decreased dynamic knee joint control in females. This study compared the initial knee valgus angle and maximum knee valgus angle at the instant of impact on vertical drop landings between healthy men and women. In this study, 60 participants (30 males, 30 females) dropped from a height of 43 cm. A digital camera and two-dimensional video motion analysis software were used to analyze the kinematic data. There was significant difference in the mean knee valgus angle at initial contact landing between the two groups (Mean=$7.88^{\circ}$, SD=$4.24^{\circ}$ in males, Mean=$12.93^{\circ}$, SD=$2.89^{\circ}$ in females). The range of knee valgus angle on landing (Mean=$3.25^{\circ}$, SD=$5.72^{\circ}$ in males, Mean=$11.44^{\circ}$, SD=$6.39^{\circ}$ in females) was differed significantly (p<.05). The maximal angle of knee valgus on landing (Mean=$10.91^{\circ}$, SD=$6.89^{\circ}$ in males, Mean=$24.25^{\circ}$, SD=$6.38^{\circ}$ in females) was also differed significantly (p<.05). The females landed with a larger range of knee valgus motion than the males and this might have increased the likelihood of a knee injury. The absence of dynamic knee joint stability may be responsible for increased rates of knee injury in females. No method for accurate and practical screening and identification of athletes at increased risk of ACL injury is currently available to target those individuals that would benefit from neuromuscular training before sports participation.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
• /
• v.21 no.1
• /
• pp.31-38
• /
• 2011

This study aimed to determine the effects of the blockage of visual feedback on joint dynamics of the lower extremity. Fifteen healthy male subjects(age: $24.1{\pm}2.3\;yr$, height: $178.7{\pm}5.2\;cm$, weight: $73.6{\pm}6.6\;kg$) participated in this study. Each subject performed single-legged landing from a 45 cm-platform with the eyes open or closed. During the landing performance, three-dimensional kinematics of the lower extremity and ground reaction force(GRF) were recorded using a 8 infrared camera motion analysis system (Vicon MX-F20, Oxford Metric Ltd, Oxford, UK) with a force platform(ORG-6, AMTI, Watertown, MA). The results showed that at 50 ms prior to foot contact and at the time of foot contact, ankle plantar-flexion angle was smaller(p<.05) but the knee joint valgus and the hip flexion angles were greater with the eyes closed as compared to with the eyes open(p<.05). An increase in anterior GRF was observed during single-legged landing with the eyes closed as compared to with the eyes open(p<.05). Time to peak GRF in the medial, vertical and posterior directions occurred significantly earlier when the eyes were closed as compared to when the eyes were open(p<.05). Landing with the eyes closed resulted in a higher peak vertical loading rate(p<.05). In addition, the shock-absorbing power decreased at the ankle joint(p<.05) but increased at the hip joints when landing with the eyes closed(p<.05). When the eyes were closed, landing could be characterized by a less plantarflexed ankle joint and more flexed hip joint, with a faster time to peak GRF. These results imply that subjects are able to adapt the control of landing to different feedback conditions. Therefore, we suggest that training programs be introduced to reduce these injury risk factors.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers Conference
• /
• 2001.06a
• /
• pp.122-126
• /
• 2001

Magnetic hard disk drive is continually being pushed to reduce head-disk spacing for higher recording densities. The current minimum spacing between the air-bearing slider and disk has been reduced to under 15 nm. In this work, it was investigated if flying height could be lowered under the height of laser bumps. With the reduction of the spinning speed, the flying height was decreased under the height of laser bumps. When a head swept between landing zone and data zone, the head-disk impact was monitored using AE and friction signals. It is demonstrated that magnetic hard disk drive could be operated without tribological failures under the height of laser bumps.

• Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea
• /
• v.25 no.4
• /
• pp.115-119
• /
• 2006

To investigate the effects of independent suspension technology(IST) of hiking boot on the stability and load of foot, eight participants performed medial and lateral drop landing from 33.4cm height and 85cm distance to uneven surface while wearing normal & IST hiking boots. For the stability of foot during the drop landing, the balance angle & suspension angle and rearfoot angle was analyzed using high-speed video analysis. Also kinetic analysis using the force plate and insole pressure measurement was conducted to analyze vertical & breaking ground reaction force and pressure distribution. Not only the balance angle & suspension angle but also rearfoot angle was improved with IST boots for lateral drop landing. These results indicate the IST boots may have the suspension function which keeps the foot to be stable during landing. However the IST boots did not show any effect for medial landing. This might be related to the hardness of medial part of outsole. Therefore the softer outsole of medial part could be recommended. Furthermore the impact force & breaking force and insole pressure were reduced with IST boot. These results means that IST boot has not only cushioning effect but also good grip effect. Therefore the hiking boots applied the independent suspension function may help to reduce fatigue and prevent injury such as ankle sprain in hiking on uneven surface.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
• /
• v.21 no.3
• /
• pp.335-343
• /
• 2011

Patellofemoral pain syndrome is the most common problem involving the knee, accounting for 25% of knee injuries. Repetitive, overuse activities cause increased force at the patellofemoral joint, resulting in pain during flexion and extension activities. Most research have been conducted in exploring the patellofemoral compressive force in gait, squat and lunges, even though in real cases, possibilities in landing exist. The purpose of this study was to compare the differences in patellofemoral compressive force according to two different height. Sixteen collegiate male students(age: 22.25 ${\pm}$ 3.30 yrs, height: 177.25 ${\pm}$ 4.44 cm, weight: 77.50 ${\pm}$ 8.18 kg) were chosen. The subjects performed drop landings in 45 cm, 60 cm. The findings demonstrated that higher height showed peak knee extension moment, quadriceps contraction force, patellofemoral compressive force with increased VGRF. Regarding the patellofemoral joint compressive force, it increased by quadriceps contraction force with knee flexion during landing, yet, it showed no difference in maximal knee flexion. To minimize patellofemoral joint stress and reduce the likelihood of developing PFPS, we recommend that predesigned quadriceps and hip muscle group strengthening are needed during conditioning and training.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
• /
• v.20 no.4
• /
• pp.395-406
• /
• 2010

The purpose of this study was to analyze the changes in kinematic and kinetic parameters of lower extremity joint according to rehabilitation period. Fourteen collegiate male athletes(age: $22.1{\pm}1.35$ years, height: $182.46{\pm}9.45cm$, weight: $88.63{\pm}9.25kg$) and fourteen collegiate athletes on functional ankle instability(age: $21.5{\pm}1.35$ years, height: $184.45{\pm}9.42cm$, weight: $92.85{\pm}10.85kg$) with the right leg as dominant were chosen. The subjects performed drop landing. The date were collected by using VICON with 8 camera to analyze kinematic variables and force platform to analyze kinetic variables. There are two approaches of this study, one is to compare between groups, the other is to find changes of lower extremity joint after rehabilitation. In comparison to the control group, FAI group showed more increased PF & Inversion at IC and decreased full ROM when drop landing. Regarding the peak force and loading rate, it resulted in higher PVGRF and loading. FAI group used more increased knee and hip ROM because of decreased ankle ROM to absorb the shock. And it used sagittal movement to stabilize. In terms of rehabilitation period, FAI group showed that landing patterns were changed and it increased total ankle excursion and used all lower extremity joint close to normal ankle. Regarding the peak force and loading rate, FAI group decreased PVGRF and loading rate. and also showed shock absorption using increased ankle movement. And COP variable showed that proprioception training increased stability during 8 weeks. The results of this study suggest that 8 weeks rehabilitation period is worthwhile to be considered as a way to improve neuromuscular control and to prevent sports injuries.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
• /
• v.13 no.3
• /
• pp.355-366
• /
• 2003

본 연구의 목적은 뛰어 내리기 동작 시 신발과 뛰어 내리는 높이가 지면반력과 충격감소에 미치는 영향을 연구하였다. 10명의 건강한 피험자가 신발 또는 맨발로 네 가지 다른 높이에서 (30, 45, 60 &75 cm) 다섯 번의 뛰어 내리기를 시도하였다. 수직지면반력(VGRF), 영상분석, 경골과 앞이마의 가속도가 함께 측정되었다. 첫 번째 정점의 수직지면반력 (VGRF1)은 75cm의 높이에서 맨발보다는 신발을 신은 상황에서 더 큰 값을 보여 주었다. 두 번째 정점의 수직지면반력 (VGRF2)은 신발을 신은 것보다는 맨발의 조건에 더 큰 값을 보여 주었다. 앞 이마의 가속도 (AccHead)는 높이와 지면에 거의 변화를 보이지 않았다. 첫 번째 정점의 경골 가속도 (AccHead)는 높이와 지면에 거의 변화를 보이지 않았다. 첫 번째 정점의 경골 가속도 (AccTibia1)는 맨발의 조건보다 신발을 신은 조건에서 더 크게 나타났다. 반면에 두 번째 정점의 경골 가속도 (AccTibia2)는 특히 60 그리고 75cm조건에서 신발을 신었을 때 보다 맨발일 때 더 큰 값을 보여 주었다. 충격감소지수 (AtteIndex)는 모든 높이에서 맨발의 조건이 신발을 신은 조건 보다 통계적으로 유의하게 높게 나타났다. 결론적으로 뛰어 내리기 동작 시 신발이 지면반력을 최소화시키고 충격을 감소시키는데 부가적인 완충물로 제공되었음을 뒷받침 해준다.