• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A
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• v.41 no.10
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• pp.991-996
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• 2017

Gait stability is partly characterized by an extended stance phase that comprises 60 of the gait ％ cycle. In this study, a gait pattern was employed for a crank drive system that allows for stable lower limb kinematics during stand-up cycling. A quick return mechanism was applied to the crank system to allow for a slow rotation of the crank during the stance phase and for a quick return during the swing phase. Design parameters for the quick return crank mechanism were defined, and kinematic simulations were performed to understand the behavior of the mechanism. To evaluate the design, an experimental instrument was fabricated, and the cycling motion was analyzed. The results indicated that this new drive system can stabilize the center of mass of the user. This study can contribute to the development of a stand-up bicycle that allows for more comfortable leg kinematics.

• Quality Improvement in Health Care
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.11-20
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• 2017

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of rotation direction during curved walking on gait parameters in stroke patients. Methods: A group of thirty subjects with stroke (Berg Balance Scale score${\geq}41$ were fifteen, Berg Balance Scale score${\leq}40$ were fifteen) were enrolled in this study. Testing indications included two directions for rotation in each subject. These indications were for rotation toward the affected and unaffected side in stroke patients. The gait speed, affected side single support duration, affected side double support duration were recorded. The obtained data were analyzed by using paired t-test and Wilcoxon signed rank test in the group that are below and above 40 points of Berg Balance Scale score. Results: There was significant increase affected side single support duration was turned the affected side in stroke patients that presented a Berg Balance Scale score${\geq}41$ (p<.05). There were significant increase gait speed, affected side single support duration, and significant decrease affected side double support duration while subjects were turned the affected side in stroke patients that presented a Berg Balance Scale score${\leq}40$ (p<.05). Conclusion: This result may be effective to rotate in the paralyzed direction to improve the ability of the paralyzed lower limb to gain weight during gait training for stroke patients with a Berg Balance Scale score<40. Therefore, walking training program for hemiplegic patient needs to be suggested in the direction of turning for suitable balance ability.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.79-83
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• 2018

Background: Lower-limb varicose veins (VVs) are common and known to have a higher prevalence among people who work in occupations requiring prolonged standing. In the Republic of Korea, however, VV-related occupational factors have seldom been examined. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of VVs among nurses, an occupational group considered to be at high risk of VVs, and determine the occupational risk factors of prolonged standing. Methods: Between March and August 2014, a questionnaire survey coupled with Doppler ultrasonography was conducted on the nurses working at a university hospital. Results: A total of 414 nurses participated in the survey and diagnostic testing. From the survey analysis and test results, the prevalence of VVs in nurses was estimated to be 16.18%. Significant factors for venous reflux were age [odds ratio (OR) = 1.06, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.03-1.10], pregnancy (OR = 2.15, 95% CI = 1.17-3.94), and delivery (OR = 2.02, 95% CI = 1.08-3.78). The statistical significance of these factors was verified after risk adjustment for sociodemographic factors (OR = 3.40, 95% CI = 1.27-9.09). Conclusion: Factors significantly associated with venous reflux were increasing age and prolonged working hours (${\geq}4hours$) in a standing position (OR = 2.80, 95% CI = 1.08-7.25), even after risk adjustment for sociodemographic factors. This study is significant in that an objective diagnosis of VVs preceded the analysis of the risk factors for VV incidence, thus verifying objectively that VVs are associated with occupations requiring prolonged hours of working in a standing position.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.177-195
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• 2009

Objectives : This study is performed to investigate the acupuncture on Sciatica through the literature of oriental medicine. Methods : We collected the oriental medical literature from ancient to modern times, and extracted the causes, symptoms, treatments and acupoints of sciatica. Results : The findings of this study are as follows: 1. The etiology of Sciatica is differentiated into the exogenous pathogenic factors(wind, cold, dampness, trauma, bad posture) and the internal pathogenic factors(deficiency of the kidney energy, congenital debility). 2. The symptoms of Sciatica are pain, weakness and dysesthesia in the low back, hip and lower limb. 3. In the treatment of Sciatica, The Leg Greater Yang Bladder (BL) Meridian and The Leg Lesser Yang Gall Bladder (GB) Meridian out of 12 meridians were mainly used and the acupoint GB30(Hwando) was most frequently used in the acupuncture literature. 4. The number of acupoints used for sciatica was 95, and those acupoints in the order of frequency were GB30(Hwando), GB34(Yangnungch'on), BL40(Wijung), BL60(Kollyun), GB31(P'ungshi), GB39(Hyonjong), BL57(Sungsan), ST36(Chok-samni). Conclusion : The most frequently used acupoints for the treatment of sciatica are as follows; GB30(Hwando), GB34(Yangnungch'on), GB31(P'ungshi), GB39(Hyonjong) of The Leg Lesser Yang Gall Bladder Meridian, BL40(Wijung), BL60(Kollyun), BL57(Sungsan) of The Leg Greater Yang Bladder Meridian.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.12 no.9
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• pp.3834-3842
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• 2011

The purpose of this study is to analyze the kinematic characteristics of children with Down syndrome got congenitally joint laxity and muscle hypotonic. The subjects are boys with Down syndrome and don't have the other disabilities. We got three dimensional position data and then calculated spatiotemporal and kinematic variables during walking on treadmill used increasingly for gait analysis and training. In result, in order to overcome their gait instability due to their musculoskeletal characteristics they walked with hip, knee and ankle joints more flexed than the typical gait pattern, and on the propulsion phase they extend the lower limb joints less than the typical, result in propel the body less than. The reason is that the more is the propulsion by extending the joints, the greater is the reaction force from the ground on heel contact. This result is expected to be used to develop the training program for intensification of musculoskeletal system aim to improve the other musculoskeletal disabilities as well as Down syndrome.

• Laboratory Medicine Online
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.83-87
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• 2017

Pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP) is a rare disorder caused by genetic and epigenetic aberrations in the GNAS complex locus resulting in impaired expression of stimulatory G protein ($Gs{\alpha}$). PHP type Ib (PHP-Ib) is characterized by hypocalcemia and hyperphosphatemia due to renal resistance to the parathyroid hormone, and is distinguished from PHP-Ia by the absence of osteodystrophic features. An 11-yr-old boy presented with poor oral intake and cramping lower limb pain after physical activity. Laboratory studies revealed hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, and increased parathyroid hormone levels. The GNAS complex locus was evaluated using the methylation-specific multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MS-MLPA) assay. Gain of methylation in the NESP55 domain and loss of methylation in the antisense (AS) transcript, XL, and A/B domains in the maternal allele were observed. Consequently, we present a case of PHP-Ib diagnosed using MS-MLPA.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.35-41
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• 2019

Background: Obstacle training affects lower limb muscle activity, balance, reducing the risk of falls, and making gait more stable. Objects: This study aimed to investigate the effects of aquatic and ground obstacle training on balance and muscle activity in patients with chronic stroke. Methods: The study subjects included 30 patients with stroke, who were divided into aquatic ($n_1=15$) and ground ($n_2=15$) groups. Groups underwent obstacle training three times per week, 30 min per session, for six weeks that went as follows: walking over sites with the paralyzed leg, stepping onto and down from a box step, and walking over obstacles with the non-paralyzed leg. Results: The experimental results were obtained by comparing muscle activity. Activity of the rectus femoris, biceps femoris, tibialis anterior, and gastrocnemius were significantly increased in the aquatic group (p<.05). Activity of the biceps femoris and tibialis anterior were significantly increased in the ground group (p<.05); however, the rectus femoris and gastrocnemius were not significantly different. In the comparison of maximal distance regarding the limits of stability, it was significantly increased on the non-affected side, affected side, and anterior and posterior distance in the aquatic group (p<.05). It was significantly increased in the non-affected side and anterior and posterior distance the ground group (p<.05); however, maximal distance on the affected side distance was not significantly different. Conclusion: Gait training with aquatic and ground obstacles is effective for improving balance and gait ability of patients with stroke. However, it was more effective for the aquatic group than for the ground group.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.70-76
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• 2019

Background: An excessive pronated foot is defined as a flattening or complete loss of the medial longitudinal arch. Excessive foot pronation is considered to have high risk factors of overuse injuries in the lower limb. Various treatments have been investigated in attempts to control excessive pronation. Objects: This meta-analysis identifies the effects of an anti-pronation taping technique using different materials. Methods: The electronic databases used include MEDLINE, the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), Science Direct, the Korean Studies Information Service System (KISS), the Research Information Sharing Service (RISS), the Korea National Library, and the Korean Medical Database (studies published up to July 31, 2019). The database search used the following keywords: "foot drop" OR "foot arch" OR "foot pronation" OR "flat foot (pes planus)" AND "taping" OR "support." Eight eligible studies were analyzed to determine the effectiveness of anti-pronation taping in study and control groups. Results: The overall random effect size (Hedges'g) of the anti-pronation taping technique was 0.147 (95% confidence interval [CI]: -.214 to .509). When the effect (Hedges' g) was compared by the type of tape material, rigid tape (RT; Lowdye taping) was .213 (95% CI: -.278 to .704) and kinesiotape (KT; arch support taping) was -.014 (95% CI: -.270 to .242). Based on this meta-analysis, it was not possible to identify the extent to which anti-pronation taping was effective in preventing navicular drop, improving balance, or changing foot pressure. Only three of the eight eligible studies applied KT on excessive pronated feet, and the outcome measure areas were different to those of the RT studies. The KT studies used EMG data, overall foot posture index (FPI) scores, and rear foot FPI scores. In contrast, the RT studies measured navicular heights, various foot angles, and foot pressure. Conclusion: This review could not find any conclusive evidence about the effectiveness of any taping method for patients with pronated feet. Future studies are needed to develop the anti-pronation taping technique based on the clinical scientific evidence.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.27.1-27.13
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• 2021

Background: Ozone is an antimicrobial agent that in experimental and case-control studies has been found to exert a positive effect on wound healing. Wild and pet chelonians frequently present insidious wounds exhibiting secondary infections and/or delayed healing. Objectives: Evaluate the effects of topical ozonated sunflower oil on second-intention healing of acute experimental skin wounds in red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans). Methods: Randomised within-subject controlled study; Group 1 (n = 24) was used to assess clinical healing features; Group 2 (n = 12) was used for histological evaluation in which two sets of wounds were biopsied at 2, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 42 days over the course of the cicatrisation process. A single 6 mm diameter wound was made on each rear limb and topical ozonated (950 peroxide value) and non-ozonated sunflower oil were applied daily for one week on treated and contralateral control wounds, respectively. Results: Mean wound size was significantly lower in the ozone-treated group at day 28 (p < 0.0001) with differences of clinical relevance (74.04% vs. 93.05% reduction of initial wound size). Histologically, the acute inflammatory reaction was enhanced in treated wounds, with significantly higher numbers of heterophils (p = 0.0016), lymphocytes (p < 0.001) and fibroblasts (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Daily topical application of ozonated sunflower oil over the course of one week improved the healing of acute, full-thickness skin wounds in chelonians. This clinical outcome was histologically correlated with an enhanced acute inflammatory reaction, as well as the production and remodelling of collagen fibres.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.53-61
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• 2021

Purpose: This study examined the impacts of action observational physical training related to stair walking on the stair walking ability and self-efficacy of chronic stroke patients. Methods: This study was conducted on 24 chronic stroke patients, who were assigned randomly to an action observational physical training group (12 persons) and a landscape observation physical training group (12 persons). To the action-observational physical training group, five videos related to stair walking were presented, and after observing them, physical training was carried out. The landscape observation physical training group observed the videos consisting of landscape, where there were no humans and animals, and then underwent physical training. This study measured the rectus femoris, biceps femoris, tibialis anterior, and gastrocnemius to examine the muscle activity of the lower limb. A timed up and go and step test was performed to examine the balance ability, and a timed stair test was conducted to examine their stair walking ability. A self-efficacy scale was measured to examine the degree of their confidence of performing stair walking. The assessment was conducted three times in total: pre-, post-, and follow-up surveys. Results: As a result of this study, the action observational physical training group significant improvement after the intervention than in the landscape observation physical training group. Moreover, the follow-up study four weeks after the intervention showed significant improvements in the action observational physical training group (p<0.05). Conclusion: These results show that the action observational physical training had a positive impact on the stair walking ability and self-efficacy of chronic stroke patients.