• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.47-54
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• 2014

The aim of this study was to compare the duration of hamstring flexibility improvement after 3 stretching interventions in people with limited hamstring flexibility. Twenty-two subjects (12 men, 10 women) with limited hamstring flexibility of the dominant leg received 3 stretching interventions- modified dynamic stretching (MDS), hold-relax (HR), and static stretching (SS)-in a random order. All the subjects received all 3 interventions at intervals of at least 24 hours to minimize any carry-over effect. Modified dynamic stretching was applied as a closed kinetic chain exercise in the supine position by using the sling suspension system (Redcord Trainer(R)). The SS and HR interventions were individually performed in the straight leg raising (SLR) position, and all 3 interventions were performed for 3 minutes. Outcome measures included passive knee extension (PKE) measurements. Five post-test measurements were recorded for all subjects at 3, 6, 9, 15, and 30 minutes after the interventions. MDS was associated with a significant increase in knee extension range of motion even at 30 minutes post-treatment. In contrast, the HR and SS stretching methods showed increased hamstring flexibility for only 6 minutes post-treatment. Improvements in the range of motion of knee extension (indicating enhancement in hamstring flexibility) with MDS were maintained longer than those with the HR and SS interventions. Therefore, MDS may be more effective than the other interventions for maintaining hamstring flexibility.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.59 no.6
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• pp.610-614
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• 2016

Objective : The purpose of this study was to present the outcome of the microsurgical foraminotomy via Wiltse paraspinal approach for foraminal or extraforaminal (FEF) stenosis at L5-S1 level. We investigated risk factors associated with poor outcome of microsurgical foraminotomy at L5-S1 level. Methods : We analyzed 21 patients who underwent the microsurgical foraminotomy for FEF stenosis at L5-S1 level. To investigate risk factors associated with poor outcome, patients were classified into two groups (success and failure in foraminotomy). Clinical outcomes were assessed by the visual analogue scale (VAS) scores of back and leg pain and Oswestry disability index (ODI). Radiographic parameters including existence of spondylolisthesis, existence and degree of coronal wedging, disc height, foramen height, segmental lordotic angle (SLA) on neutral and dynamic view, segmental range of motion, and global lumbar lordotic angle were investigated. Results : Postoperative VAS score and ODI improved after foraminotomy. However, there were 7 patients (33%) who had persistent or recurrent leg pain. SLA on neutral and extension radiographic films were significantly associated with the failure in foraminotomy (p<0.05). Receiver-operating characteristics curve analysis revealed the optimal cut-off values of SLA on neutral and extension radiographic films for predicting failure in foraminotomy were $17.3^{\circ}$ and $24^{\circ}s$, respectively. Conclusion : Microsurgical foraminotomy for FEF stenosis at L5-S1 level can provide good clinical outcomes in selected patients. Poor outcomes were associated with large SLA on preoperative neutral (>$17.3^{\circ}$) and extension radiographic films (>$24^{\circ}$).

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.30 no.5
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• pp.1318-1332
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• 2000

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of walk training on leg strength, flexibility, postural stability, balance and gait in home bound elderly women. Eighteen elderly women of the experimental group aged between 70 and 90 years image who have normal vision, hearing and Romberg test. They participated in the 12 week walk training. The subjects of the experimental group practiced walk training 3 times a week for during 12 weeks. During the 40 minute workout, the subjects practiced 5 minutes of warming-up exercises, 30 minutes of conditioning exercises and 10 minutes of a cool-down exercise. The intensity for the conditioning phase was determined by subject' heart rates, which ranged from 60% to 70% of age-adjusted maximum heart rates. The body composition, leg strength, flexibility, postural stability, balance and gait were measured prior to and after the experimental treatment. The body fat, lean body mass, leg strength (ankle dorsiflexor, plantarflexor, inversor and eversir, knee flexor, extensior), flexibility (range of motion of ankle dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, inversion and eversion), and postural stability of the experimental group were significantly greater than those of the control group. Duration of standing on the right foot and that of standing on the left foot of the experimental group was greater than that of the control group. Total balance scores of the experimental group were significantly higher than those of the control group. Among 13 items for balance, the scores of experimental group in balance with eyes closes, turning balance, sternal nudge, neck turning, one leg standing balance and back extension were higher than those of the control group. Total scores of gait of the experimental group were significantly higher than those of the control group following the walking training. Scores of experimental group in step height, step length and walk stance while walking among 9 items for gait were significantly higher than those of the control group. The results suggest that walk training can improve physical fitness for prevention in home bound elderly women.

• Korean Journal of Exercise Nutrition
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.37-45
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• 2020

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of elastic band exercises and nutritional education, as well as to identify the factors influencing frailty, strength, and nutritional intake of elderly women. [Methods] The subjects in this study were 30 elderly women who were divided into four groups. All groups agreed to participate in four programs: health education only (HE), elastic band exercises only (EX), nutritional education only (NU), and elastic band exercises plus nutritional education (EX+NU). Frailty was evaluated by measuring the frailty factors according to Fried et al. Leg strength was measured using a leg-extension machine. Nutritional intake was assessed by the 24-hour recall method and food records. Nutritional intake was analyzed by CAN Pro 5.0 program. [Results] After three months, the prevalence of frailty significantly decreased in the EX+NU group (P=0.013) compared with that of the HE group (P=0.088). There was significant improvement in leg strength in both the EX (P=0.012) and EX+NU groups (P=0.003) compared with that of the HE group (EX, P=0.005; EX+NU, P=0.002). The nutritional intake significantly decreased in the EX group compared with that of the HE group (P<0.05, P<0.05). [Conclusion] The combination of elastic exercises and nutrition education had positive effects on frailty and leg strength, while having negative effects on total calories, carbohydrate, sodium, and iron intake in elderly women. Elastic exercises only had positive effects on leg strength while having negative effects on nutritional intake in elderly women.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.144-151
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• 2023

Background: The gluteus maximus (GM) muscle comprise the lumbo-pelvic complex and is an important stabilizing muscle during leg extension. In patients with low back pain (LBP) with weakness of the GM, spine leads to compensatory muscle activities such as instantaneous increase of the erector spinae (ES) muscle activity. Four-point kneeling arm and leg lift (FKALL) is most common types of lumbopelvic and GM muscles strengthening exercise. We assumed that altered hip position during FKALL may increase thoraco-lumbar stabilizer like GM activity more effectively method. Objects: The purpose of this study was investigated that effects of the three exercise postures on the right-sided GM, internal oblique (IO), external oblique (EO), and multifidus (MF) muscle activities and pelvic kinematic during FKALL. Methods: Twenty eight healthy individuals participated in this study. The exercises were performed three conditions of FKALL (pure FKALL, FKALL with 120° hip flexion of the supporting leg, FKALL with 30° hip abduction of the lifted leg). Participants performed FKALL exercises three times each condition, and motion sensor used to measure pelvic tilt and rotation angle. Results: This study demonstrated that no significant change in pelvic angle during hip movement in the FKALL (p > 0.05). However, the MF and GM muscle activities in FKALL with hip flexion and hip abduction is greater than pure FKALL position (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our finding suggests that change the posture of the hip joint to facilitate GM muscle activation during trunk stabilization exercises such as the FKALL.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.143-150
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• 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of opposite lower extremity lateral muscle activation by proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) exercise targeting the lower extremities. Methods: Nineteen patients with chronic hemiplegia volunteered to participate in this study. PNF flexion, abduction, and internal rotation patterns; initial, end range, and extension patterns; abduction and internal rotation patterns; and initial and end range patterns were applied to the dominant lower extremity. Activation of lateral muscles (multifidus, gluteus medius, tensor fascia lata, and peroneous longus) of the paralyzed leg was then measured by electromyography (EMG). Results: There were significant differences in lateral muscle activation, depending on the PNF pattern applied, with the differences more significant in flexion, abduction, internal rotation, and end range patterns. Conclusion: PNF flexion, abduction, and internal rotation patterns can improve lateral muscle activation of one leg in the standing position in the gait cycle.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.13-21
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• 2011

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of closed kinematic chain exercise and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation exercise on the static dynamic balance performance of hemiplegic patients in order to suggest them therapeutic intervention methods. Methods : The subjects of this study were 18 hemiplegic patients grouped into 2 subgroups according to the exercise program. one group of closed kinematic chain exercise carried out sit to stand, Hooklying with pelvic lift(bridging) and stair-up & down by a hemiplegic leg. The other group of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation exercise carried out leg flexion-extension pattern in supine position, leg flexion pattern in standing and stabilizing reversal exercise in stating position. Each exercise was carried out over 3 sets of 10reps. Results : The results of this study were summarized as follows: 1. For both groups, there were statistically significant changes in the static balance (FICSIT-4) performance after exercise program (p<.05). 2. For both groups, there were statistically significant changes in the dynamic balance (FSST, TUG, FRT) performance after exercise program (p<.05). 3. In the comparison between both groups, there was no statistically significant difference in the static dynamic balance performance (FICSIT-4, FSST, TUGT, ER) after exercise program. Conclusion : As the results of the study shows closed kinematic chain exercise and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation exercise affect the improvement of hemiplegic patients'' static dynamic balance performance, it is supposed that these exercises could be therapeutic exercise program in clinical situations.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.319-326
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• 2023

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of modified ankle movement patterns on participants' active dorsiflexion range of motion and leg muscle activity. Methods: This study recruited twenty-five participants, all of whom were healthy individuals with no abnormalities in the ankle or knee joints. The research methodology involved measuring the active dorsiflexion range of motion and muscle activity in each person's legs based on the presence or absence of toe extension while the subjects were in a comfortable, supine position. A statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 25.0, and a paired samples t-test was employed. The significance level was set at 0.05. Results: When the participants demonstrated the modified ankle movement pattern with a controlled toe grip, there was an increase in their active dorsiflexion angle. However, during the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation technique without a controlled toe grip, a higher level of activity was observed in the leg muscles. Conclusion: The results of this study could be used as foundational data for establishing a rehabilitation exercise program designed to enhance range of motion and muscle activation in the ankle joint.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.19 no.12
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• pp.1821-1828
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• 2009

The purpose of this research was to investigate how the plyometric training and weight training program, applied in the field for exercise performance of throwing players, influenced improvement of athletic abilities, including agility, maximum muscular power, and strength. After implementing plyometric training and weight training to 21 high school throwing players for 10 weeks, we designed the next step. The 21 subjects were divided into two groups - women's group and men's group. All subjects were tested to determine agility using sidestep, burpee test, reaction time, lower body power and strength using standing long jump, standing jump, 30 m running, squats and leg presses. Additionally, isokinetic strength was measured using Cybex isokinetic dynamometer. The results showed that both groups demonstrated improvement in the standing long jump, standing jump and 30 m running after training. Particularly, the women's group indicated better improvement. Second, women's groups showed higher improvement in the sidestep and burpee test. However, in the reaction time test, the men's group indicated better improvement. Third, both groups showed better improvement in squats and leg presses after training. Particularly, the women's group indicated better improvement. Fourth, in the left and right side extension torque and flexion torque at a velocity of $60^{\circ}$/sec, both groups showed better improvement after training. In the left side extension peak torque, the men's group showed higher improvement, but the women's group showed higher improvement in the left side flexion and extension peak torque. Fifth, both groups showed better improvement in bench pressing and back strength after training. Particularly, the women's group indicated higher improvement.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.207-216
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• 2007

The purpose of this study was to biomechanical analysis Judo's Kuzushi throwing motion in order to increase the effectiveness of Nage-waja(throwing technique). The Tori was a Judo player with 18 years experience(4th degree) while the Uke was a player with 2 years experience(1st degree). The kinematic data was captured using the Vicon motion system (7 cameras) and the kinetics were recorded by force plates(2 AMTI). The following were the results; While leaning to the front the subject's trunk's angle was $14.5^{\circ}$, the lower limbs angle was $23.8^{\circ}$, knee angle was $179.6^{\circ}$ and the vertical reaction of the left leg was 325.42N(BW 0.34) and the right leg was 233.7N(BW 0.47). While leaning back the subject's trunk's angle was $11.3^{\circ}$, the lower limbs angle was $4.1^{\circ}$, knee angle was $1761^{\circ}$ and the vertical reaction of the left leg was 299.53N(BW 0.43) and the right leg was 441.7N(BW 0.64). While leaning to the left the subject's trunk's angle was $30.8^{\circ}$, the lower limbs angle was $2.7^{\circ}$, knee angle was $175.2^{\circ}$ and the vertical reaction of the left leg was 711N(BW 1.03) and the right leg was 9.2N(BW 0.01). While leaning to the right the subject's trunk's angle was $36.5^{\circ}$, the lower limbs angle was $10.4^{\circ}$, knee angle was $175.2^{\circ}$ and the vertical reaction of the left leg was 13.2N(BW 0.02) and the right leg was 694.7N(BW 1.01). While leaning to the left front corner the subject's trunk's angle was $19.8^{\circ}$ (front) and $15.1^{\circ}$ (left), the lower limbs angle was $17.8^{\circ}$ (front) and $2.4^{\circ}$ (left), knee angle was $177.8^{\circ}$ (front) and $173.9^{\circ}$(left), and the vertical reaction of the left leg was 547.4N(BW 0.8) and the right leg was 117.8N(BW 0.17). While leaning to the right front corner the subject's trunk's angle was $15.4^{\circ}$ (front) and $17.7^{\circ}$ (right), the lower limbs angle was $21.1^{\circ}$, (front) and $5.7^{\circ}$ (right), knee angle was $175.5^{\circ}$ (front) and $178.9^{\circ}$(right), and the vertical reaction of the left leg was 53N(BW 0.08) and the right leg was 622.4N(BW 09). While leaning to the left rear corner the subject's trunk's angle was $9.2^{\circ}$ (back) and $13.8^{\circ}$ (left), the lower limbs angle was $2^{\circ}$, (back) and $5.7^{\circ}$ (left), knee angle was $175.5^{\circ}$ (back) and $172.8^{\circ}$(left), and the vertical reaction of the left leg was 698.2N(BW 1.02) and the right leg was 49.6N(BW 0.07). While leaning to the right rear corner the subject's trunk's angle was $8.9^{\circ}$ (back) and $19.6^{\circ}$ (right), the lower limbs angle was ${0.6^{\circ}}_"$ (back) and $3.1^{\circ}$ (right), knee angle was $174.6^{\circ}$ (back) and $175.6^{\circ}$(right), and the vertical reaction of the left leg was 7.2N(BW 0.01) and the right leg was 749.4N(BW 1.09). It was observed that during the Judo motion Kuzushii the range of the COM varied from $26.5{\sim}39.9cm$. It was concluded that the upper body leaned further than the lower body as there was knee extension. There was high left leg reaction forces while leaning to the left and likewise for the right side. It was therefore deduced that the Kuzushi was a more effective throwing technique for the left side.