• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.46-51
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• 2016

Purpose: This study intended to classify voluntary respiratory exercise and exercise using breathing training equipment to suggest proper respiratory exercise to relieve symptoms of patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Methods: Sixteen subjects were randomly selected for experimental group I, which performed feedback breathing exercise and 15 subjects were randomly selected for experimental group II, which performed a complex breathing exercise. The mediation program was performed 30 minutes a session, once a day, three times a week, for five weeks. This study analyzed before and after results within groups and between groups through measurement of respiratory muscle activity and health-related quality of life. Results: Activity of sternocleidomastoid muscle and scalene muscle increased meaningfully within experimental group I and activity of diaphragm increased significantly within experimental group II (p<0.05) and there was a meaningful difference in health-related quality of life within experimental group II (p<0.05). Significant differences in change of activity of respiratory muscle and health-related quality of life were observed between groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study showed conflicting results between activity of agonist and synergist in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease according to types of respiratory exercise and that complex respiratory exercise is more effective in health-related quality of life. Therefore, it found that the more severity increase, the more self-respiratory technique is an effective program. Diversified approach methods will be needed to improve respiratory function and quality of life for patients, and continuous clinical studies will be needed in the future.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.202-209
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• 2021

Purpose: This study examined whether various lower extremity exercises using a Swiss ball in the standing position could improve balance, muscle strength, gait, and fall efficacy in stroke patients. Methods: Twenty-one stroke patients were randomly divided into three groups, each with seven participants. For four weeks, experimental group 1 performed various lower extremity exercises using a Swiss ball, while experimental group 2 executed the same exercises without a Swiss ball, and the control group underwent general physical therapy. The subjects' knee extensor muscle strength, balance, gait, and fall efficacy were evaluated before and after the intervention using portable muscle strength measurement, the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), G-walk, and the Korean Falls Efficacy Scale (K-FES). Results: Knee extensor strength increased significantly in all three groups after the intervention; in particular, a significant increase was seen in experimental groups 1 and 2 compared to the control group. Moreover, all three groups had significantly better BBS scores and higher cadence after the intervention; notably, experimental group 1 had better scores and increased cadence than the control group. Additionally, gait speed was significantly increased in the experimental group 1 than in the control group. The step length of the non-affected leg was also significantly higher in the same group. The K-FES score improved significantly in all three groups, but there was no significant difference between the groups. Conclusion: This study suggests that lower extremity exercises with or without a Swiss ball could be effective interventions to improve muscle strength, balance, gait, and fall efficacy in stroke patients.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.54-63
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• 2022

Background: Low back and neck pain are two of the most common medical problems in the adult population. It is estimated that between 70% and 80% adults experience an episode of low back pain at least once during their lifetime. Objects: This study aimed to compare the effects of various stretching exercises and muscle energy techniques used for treatment of iliopsoas, quadratus lumborum, and hamstrings of patients with low back pain. Methods: A total of 52 subjects were randomly assigned to the control group (n = 17), the muscle energy technology group (METG, n = 19), and the stretching exercise group (SEG, n = 16). Interventions were performed twice a week for 4 weeks. Outcomes were measured before and after 4 weeks of treatment in the three groups, using the Korean version of the Oswestry Disability Index, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the Fear Avoidance Belief Questionnaire (FABQ), the Finger to Floor test (FTF), the Modified-Modified Schober Test (MMS), and the Trunk Flexion Range of Motion test. Results: This study showed significant reduction in the pre-test and post-test KODI, VAS, and FABQ scores in all the three groups (p < 0.05). The KODI, VAS, FABQ and FTF assessed in this study showed interactions between the groups and the measurement time point (p < 0.01). After intervention, the KODI, VAS, FABQ and FTF in the SEG and METG were significantly higher (p < 0.05), and there was no difference between the METG and SEG. MMS and HFROM test showed no difference between the three groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: KODI, VAS, FABQ and FTF showed significant improvement after basic physical therapy, muscle energy technique, and stretching exercise intervention. And there was no significant difference in the intervention effect between the muscle energy group and the stretching exercise group.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.45-50
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• 2022

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the spatiotemporal and kinematic gait parameters and muscle activity of the lower extremities between forward walking on sand (FWS) and backward walking on sand (BWS) in normal adults. Methods: This study was conducted on 13 healthy adults. Subjects performed FWS and BWS and the spatiotemporal and kinematic gait parameters of stride time, stride length, velocity, cadence, step length, stance, swing, double support, and hip range of motion (ROM), knee ROM were measured by a wearable inertial measurement unit system. In addition, the muscle activity of the rectus femoris (RF), biceps femoris (BF), tibialis anterior (TA), and gastrocnemius (GA) was measured. Results: The stride length, stride velocity, cadence, and step length in the BWS were significantly lower than FWS (p<0.05), and stride time was significantly greater (p<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the ratio of stance, swing, and double support between the two (p>0.05). The kinematic gait parameters, including hip and knee joint range of motion in BWS, were significantly lower than FWS (p<0.05). The muscle activity of the RF in BWS was significantly higher than FWS (p<0.05), but the muscle activity of the BF, TA, GA did not show any significant differences between the two movements (p>0.05). Conclusion: A strategy to increase stability by changing the gait parameters is used in BWS, and this study confirmed that BWS was a safe and effective movement to increase RF muscle activity without straining the joints. Therefore, BWS can be recommended for effective activation of the RF.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.139-146
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• 2023

Purpose: The aim of this study is to provide basic information to create an efficient training program to improve shoulder stability and function in patients with injuries and in patients having undergone surgery of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles, which have a relatively high incidence of injury in shoulder joint disease. Further, independent activities of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles were investigated according to forearm rotation and the neutral and lateral rotation postures. Methods: The activities of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles were measured using surface electromyography in 22 healthy adults in Busan, and isokinetic muscle strength measurement equipment was used to measure muscle strength during shoulder lateral rotation. The subjects performed lateral rotation of the shoulder in three different forearm postures (neutral, supine, prone) to measure shoulder muscle activity and lateral rotation strength. Results: The independent activity ratio (% Isolation) of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles during lateral rotation of the shoulder joint demonstrated a significant difference (p<0.05) according to the change in forearm posture. Conclusion: The supraspinatus muscle showed independent activity ranging from highest to lowest in the order of pronation, neutral, and supination of the forearm, while the independent activity of the infraspinatus muscle ranged from highest to lowest in the order of neutral, supination, and pronation of the forearm. Therefore, the most active forearm positions for the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles are pronation and neutral, respectively.

• 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.

• Journal of Korea Entertainment Industry Association
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.363-373
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• 2020

The purpose of this study was to improve the gait ability and quality of life of stroke patients by combining virtual reality technology and a visual feedback gait training program with entertainment elements. Ten stroke patients with circumduction gait were selected. The visual feedback treadmill gait training program using virtual reality technology and a force plate measurement system was conducted 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, with 25 sessions in 5 weeks. To investigate the effects of this gait training program, evaluations using the joint range-of-motion test, muscle activity tests, Berg balance scale (BBS), gait analysis, and stroke-specific quality-of-life scale (SS-QOL) were performed before and after intervention. Statistically significant differences were found in the joint range of motion and muscle activity of the affected side from the initial swing phase to the mid-swing phase of the gait cycle, dynamic balance, gait function, and quality of life (p <0.05). The results of this study indicate that the gait training program improved the foot drop, muscle activity, dynamic balance, and gait ability of stroke patients with circumduction gait, thereby improving the quality of life of the patients. Therefore, we recommend the application of the visual feedback treadmill gait training program using virtual reality technology and a force plate measurement system to improve gait ability and quality of life of stroke patients with circumduction gait.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.51-63
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• 2014

Background or Objectives : The purpose of this study is to measure surface Electromyography(sEMG) of facial muscles in normal person and to find method for standardizing of sEMG's value. Methods : We measured 3points on face, frontalis muscle($GB_{14}$), zygomaticus muscle($SI_{18}$), orbicularis oris muscle($LI_{19}$) of 40 normal person by sEMG. 40 normal person consist with two groups, each 20 male, 20 female. Average age of subject was $26.50{\pm}4.79$. SEMG instrument QEMG-4 XL was used. After training exercise of facial muscles, sEMG's root mean square value was measured once. Results : 1. In whole experimental group, frontalis muscle's both side average was $78.36{\pm}40.87$, zygomaticus muscle's both side average was $84.70{\pm}49.81$, orbicularis oris's both side average was $104.83{\pm}38.81$. 2. Left side of Frontalis muscle, both side of zygomaticus muscle are high marked in male than female in statistically. 3. In whole experimental group, average of ratio comparing smaller value with bigger value in difference between left side and right side was $19.60{\pm}12.88$ %. 4. Average of asymmetry index(AI) was $11.46{\pm}8.36$ %. orbicularis oris muscle's average of AI had least difference was $8.95{\pm}7.50$ %. zygomaticus muscle's average of AI had most difference was $13.95{\pm}8.90$ %. Conclusions : The result of this study could provide useful information of field of sEMG is used in oriental medicine treatment of facial muscles. To assess efficacy of treatment in facial muscles, we need to standardize facial muscle's sEMG values by using AI, ratio comparing values and etc.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.8 no.4
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• pp.223-230
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• 2020

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of tools (i., extracorporeal shock wave therapy, massage gun, and foam roller) on range of motion, muscle tone and pain threshold among patients with hamstring stiffness. Methods : Fourteen participants with hamstrings stiffness were recruited. Interventions were performed 6 times, and each session was for 30 seconds using the three tools. The range of motion, muscle tone, and pain threshold were measured. The order of the use of the three tools was randomly determined. The foam roller was made to move from the bottom of the hip crease to the upper part of the back of the hamstring. Additionally, velocity 5 vibration stimulation was performed on the hamstring using a massage gun. Moreover, vibration stimulation was performed on the hamstring with extracorporeal shock wave therapy 5 minutes, 5 Hz, and 1,500 strokes. The flexibility of the posterior thigh muscle was based on maintaining the knee and hip joints in a 90 ° bend in the supine position. The joint angle of the knee was measured, when the knee was actively extended, at the maximum point where the posterior thigh muscle was stretched. The elasticity of the posterior thigh muscle was measured while the subject was prone and in a relaxed state without any force. Measurements were made at the muscle abdominal area of the semitendinosus muscle of the posterior femur, and the area to be measured was marked with a pen. The measurement of the tenderness threshold of the posterior femur was measured using a tenderness meter(Commander Algometer, J-Tech, USA). The force value at the point at which the pressure sensation change to pain was measured after applying vertical pressure to the posterior femur muscle, which was the halfway point between the ischial tuberosity and the popliteal surface of the subject lying on their stomach. Results : The extracorporeal shock wave therapy increased stiffness and, muscle tone, and caused changes in the pain threshold, whereas the other two tools had no effect on these indices. Conclusion : Extracorporeal shock wave therapy has important effects on range of motion and muscle stiffness and can be used in warmup protocols.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.119-123
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• 2016

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the intra- and inter-rater reliability of muscle thickness (MT) measurements of the abductor hallucis (AbdH) in subjects with hallux valgus (HV), using ultrasonography performed at different inward pressures of approximately 0.5 kg, 1.0 kg, 1.5 kg, and 2.0 kg, with no pressure control. Methods: Thirty-two subjects with HV were recruited. The thicknesses of both sides of the AbdH were measured randomly by two different examiners for assessment of the intra- and inter-rater reliability. The measurement values were analyzed using the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). ICC (2,1) was used to determine the inter-rater reliability of MT measurements of the AbdH, while ICC (3,1) was used to assess the intra-rater reliability. Results: The results showed higher ICC values for intra-rater reliability compared to inter-rater reliability, and the value for inter-rater reliability with no pressure control (ICC=0.74 [95%CI=0.53-0.87]) was smaller compared to pressures of 0.5 kg, 1.0 kg, 1.5 kg, and 2.0 kg. Other inward pressures for intra- and inter-rater reliability also showed excellent values (ICC=0.86-0.96). Conclusion: The findings showed that maintaining consistent inward pressure is essential for reliable results in measurement of the MT of the AbdH by different examiners in a clinical setting.