• 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.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.241-249
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• 2020

Background: Prolonged standing during work causes a lower extremity pain and disorders. Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is one of the common diagnoses of the knee pain. Although the etiology of PFPS is not completely understood, it is considered to be multifactorial. Objects: The purpose of this study was to investigate difference in strength of knee muscles, quadriceps:hamstring muscles strength ratio (Q:H ratio), asymmetry ratio of knee muscles strength and dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) between standing workers with and without PFPS. Methods: Twenty-eight standing workers with PFPS and 26 age-, height-, and weight-matched standing workers without PFPS participated in this study. A tension sensor measured knee muscle strength, and motion sensor measured dorsiflexion ROM. The asymmetry ratio of knee muscles was calculated by a specific formula using the knee muscles strength of the dominant side and the sound side. An independent t-test was used to identify significant differences in the strength, ROM, Q:H ratio, and asymmetry ratio between the PFPS and normal groups. Results: The standing worker with PFPS have significantly lower dorsiflexion ROM (p < 0.000) and higher asymmetry ratio of the hamstring muscles strength (p < 0.000) compare to the standing worker without PFPS. No significant differences were seen in the strength of quadriceps muscle and hamstring muscles, Q:H ratio, and asymmetry ratio of quadriceps muscle strength. Conclusion: There was a significant difference in the asymmetry ratio of the isometric hamstring muscle strength. This finding suggests that the asymmetry ratio of isometric hamstring muscle strength may be more important than measuring only the hamstring muscle strength of the PFPS side. Furthermore, the results of this study showed a significant difference in dorsiflexion ROM between the standing industrial workers with and without PFPS. Dorsiflexion ROM and isometric hamstring muscle strength should be considered when evaluating the subjects with PFPS.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.28-36
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• 2019

Background: Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is characterized by pain and limited range of motion in the jaw. TMD patients generally prefer to chew on the unaffected or less-affected side, and this tendency often results in asymmetries in masseter muscle thickness and range of mandibular motion. Objects: The purpose of this study was to compare the asymmetries in masseter muscle thickness and range of mandibular motion in subjects with and without temporomandibular disorders. Methods: Thirty-nine subjects were divided into two groups: A TMD group ($n_1=19$) and a control group ($n_2=20$). The jaw opening range and laterotrusion were measured using a digital vernier caliper. The masseter muscle thickness was examined in both the resting state and the maximal clenching state using ultrasonography. The absolute asymmetry indices calculated based on the laterotrusion and masseter muscle thickness of the respective right and left sides. A two-way ANOVA and a Mann-Whitney U test were used for statistical analysis. Results: No significant different was found in the masseter muscle thickness between the TMD and control group. A significant difference was found in the absolute asymmetry indices of mandibular laterotrusion between the TMD and control groups (p<.05). Furthermore, the ranges of jaw opening were significantly different between males and females (p<.05). The absolute asymmetry index values of masseter muscle thickness at rest and during maximal clenching were also significantly different between males and females (p<.05). Conclusion: These results demonstrated that the subjects with TMD had a larger degree of asymmetry in laterotrusion than those without TMD. Therefore, a physiotherapy program needs to be designed to restore normal laterotrusion capacities for TMD subjects. These results also showed that female subjects had greater absolute asymmetry indices in masseter muscle thickness than male subjects. Therefore, more training is needed to promote bilaterally balanced chewing among women.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.17 no.6
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• pp.389-399
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• 2019

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of muscle asymmetry of knee joint among elite cyclists on anaerobic pedaling power related capacity. In another word, based on isokinetic strength of Non-Dominant, ND and Dominant, D, side, high, moderate and low ratio of ND to D were classified as High Symmetry Group, Moderate Symmetry Group and Asymmetry Group, respectively. Analysis of muscle asymmetry of extensor's ND and D side might not lead to any difference between the three groups. Based on muscle strength analysis of the flexor's ND and D, there was statistical difference between the groups in ND flexor and in the muscle balance index of the flexor muscle. This result also leads to significant difference in pedaling power functionality, but this effects might not lead to any negative pedaling power. Therefore, among even cyclists who may show almost the same recruitment pattern of ND and D side during pedaling stroke muscle asymmetry could exist but this phenomena might not negatively contribute to the pedaling capacity.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.11-20
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• 2022

PURPOSE: This study investigated the immediate effects of gluteus medius strengthening training and relaxation therapy on the static balance, muscle strength asymmetry, and proprioception. METHODS: In this research, 38 healthy adults were assigned randomly to strengthening groups (SG) and relaxation groups (RG). The static balance, muscle strength asymmetry, and proprioception were measured as a pre-measurement. The same measurements were performed after the intervention and follow-up. An independent sample t-test was used to compare each group, and one-way repeated ANOVA was used to compare the changes within the group. RESULTS: In the static balance, the comparison between groups SG was more significant than RG, and only SG showed significant differences in the intra-group comparisons. There was no significant difference in muscle strength asymmetry between SG and RG. On the other hand, the comparison within the group revealed only SG to be significant. In proprioception, SG produced more significant results than RG, and only SG had significant values in the within-group comparison. CONCLUSION: Strengthening training affects the changes in static balance, muscle strength asymmetry, and proprioception.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.259-266
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• 2005

The function of the masseter and anterior temporal muscles was assessed by electromyography in 30 patients with mandibular prognathism (20 patients with facial asymmetry and 10 patients without facial asymmetry) before orthognathic surgery and 4weeks afterwards. Electromyogram(EMG) recordings were made during resting, clenching and swallowing. We compared with right-left difference of this recording and asymmetry index before and after orthognathic surgery. The result of this study was as follows. 1. There was no significant right-left difference in muscle activities of masticatory muscles both asymmetric groups and controls and many variable change after orthognathic surgery.(P>0.05) 2. The mean electric activity of the masticatory muscles was found to have decreased during more clenching than resting, but there was no statistically significant difference because of individual difference of measuring values.(P>0.05) 3. The asymmetry index of masticatory muscles in asymmetric groups was significantly greater during clenching compared with controls.(P<0.05) In conclusion, no right-left difference of muscle activities was found in patients with facial asymmetry before orthognathic surgery and 4weeks afterwards. Not only muscular functioning but also many other factors, such as occlusion, temporomandibular joint disorder and trauma, probably affect facial asymmetry and will be analyzed in future studies. And we will need long term follow-up after orthognathic surgery.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.147-157
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• 2020

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of active release technique and lumbar stabilization exercise on pelvic asymmetry, muscle activation and pain in chronic low back pain patients. Methods : The subjects were 37 outpatients diagnosed with chronic low back pain. The patients were randomly divided into an active release technique therapy group (ART; n=18), and lumbar stabilization exercise group (LSE; n=19). These groups performed their respective therapy for a 30-minute session occurring two times a week over six-weeks period. To assess the patients' pelvic asymmetry, their pelvic tilt, and pelvic rotation was measured using X-ray imaging. EMG was used to evaluate the muscle activity of the lumbar muscle. The visual analogue scale (VAS) were used to measure the subjects' pain. Results : Both ART group, and LSE group exhibited statistically significant differences in their subjects' VAS and muscle activation of lumbar muscle after the therapy (p<.05). In ART group exhibited statistically significant decreases in their subjects' pelvic tilt and pelvic rotation after therapy (p<.05). There was a significant difference between the ART group, and LSE group (p<.05). Conclusion : The results of this study suggest that active release technique and lumbar stabilization exercise are effective in decrease pain and increase muscle activation in chronic low back pain patient. In addition active release technique is considered to be more effective in improving pelvic tilt and pelvic rotation than lumbar stabilization exercise.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.31-34
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• 2004

Purpose: To compare the size of the masseter and lateral pterygoid muscle between the affected and the unaffected side of the patients who have the chief complaints of the mandibular asymmetry. Materials and Methods: Twenty two patients (male: 4, female: 18, average age: 21.3 year-old) were radiographed using posterior-anterior (P-A) cephalography and computed tomography (CT). On P-A cephalography, the degree of deviation was determined by the distance from the mentum to the vertical reference line through the crista galli and the anterior nasal spine. On the scanned tracing papers of the maximum cross-sectional area of the masseter and lateral pterygoid muscle using axial CT images, the pixel number was measured. The ratio of the affected : unaffected sides were obtained. For the masseter and lateral pterygoid muscle, the relationship between the muscular volume and degree of skeletal hypoplasia was studied. Results : The half cases showed no skeletal asymmetry. The lateral pterygoid muscle of the affected side was larger significantly than unaffected side (p<0.05). However, there was no significant difference between two sides in the cases of skeletal asymmetry. There was only significant difference in the cases without skeletal asymmetry (p<0.05). Conclusions : To some extent, the slight mandibular hypoplasia could affect the growth of some masticatory muscles.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.27-35
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• 1991

In order to evaluate muscular activity patterns of masticatory muscles and asymmetry patterns of muscular activity according to the levels of occlusal force, twenty-one individuals of age ranged from 23 to 27 years were examined. They were selected according to the following criteria : 1) no symptoms of temporomandibular disorder, 2) complete dentition except third molars, 3) normal or Angle's class I molar relationship and 4) no experience of dental treatment. The electromyographic amplitudes was measured for evaluation of muscular activity and asymmetric patterns of masseter and anterior temporal muscle during unilateral clenching at the levels of 10%, 20%, 40% and 50% of the maximum occlusal force by use of electromyogram and bite force meter. The obtained results were as follows : 1. The muscle activity indices of masticatory muscles of clenching side at the clenching levels of 10%, 20% and 30% of the maximum occlusal force were -19.12, -9.87, -0.49%, so that activity of anterior temporal muscle was dominant than that of masseter muscle. At the levels of 40%, 50% of the maximum occlusal force, muscle activity indices were 4.68%, 6.70%, so that activity of masseter was dominant at all level and as the levels of occlusal force was increased, muscular activity index was tend to decrease. 2. In masseter, asymmetry indices of muscular activity at the levels of 10%, 20% of maximum occlusal force were -10.34 and -1.24%, so that muscular activity of non-clenching side were dominant and at the levels of 30%, 40% and 50% each of maximum occlusal force, muscular activity was dominant on clenching side as 4.68, 7.18 and 10.9%. In anterior temporal muscle, asymmetry indices were 33.38%, 25.46, 2095, 10.23 and 15.45% at the levels of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% each of maximum occlusal force, so that activity of clenching 15.45% at the levels of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% each of maximum occlusal force, so that activity of clenching side was dominant than that of non-clenching side at all levels, but as the levels of occlusal force was increased, asymmetry indices of muscular activity was tend to decrease. 3. Between both sides, average electromyographic amplitudes of masseter and anterior temporal muscle were correlated, so that as the levels of occlusal force was increased, average electromyographic amplitudes of both side in same muscle were increased proportionally. But asymmetry indices between muscular activities of masseter and anterior temporal muscle were not correlated.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.71-78
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• 2017

Background: Muscle weakness and impaired trunk muscle control are common in stroke patients. The bridging exercise (BE) is generally used for trunk stabilization and improving the overall function of stroke patients. The effectiveness of the BE with hip adductor contraction (BEHA) in facilitating trunk muscle activation has been well studied in healthy adults. However, the impact of BEHA in sub-acute stroke patients has not yet been investigated. Objects: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of BEHA on the electromyography (EMG) activities and the asymmetry of the rectus abdominis (RA), external oblique (EO) and internal oblique (IO) abdominal muscles. Methods: Twenty participants with sub-acute stroke (11 males and 9 females) were recruited. Each participant was asked to perform bridging exercises for five seconds under three different conditions: BE in a neutral position (BEN), BEHA with a large ball (BEHAL) and BEHA with a small ball (BEHAS). The EMG amplitudes of the bilateral RA, EO and IO and the asymmetry of the EMG activity between the sound and affected sides were compared among the conditions. The significance level was set at ${\alpha}=.05$. Results: The EMG activities of RA, EO and IO were significantly greater during BEHAL and BEHAS than during BEN (p<.05); the asymmetry of the RA, EO and IO decreased significantly during BEHAL and BEHAS compared to BEN (p<.05). However, no measured variables showed any significant differences between BEHAL and BEHAS (p>.05). Conclusion: This study compared the EMG activities of the RA, EO and IO on both sides and the asymmetry of the RA, EO and IO during BEN, BEHAL and BEHAS. Our findings suggest that BEHA was more effective for individuals with hemiplegic stroke at facilitating and normalizing abdominal muscle control than BEN.