• 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.

• 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.

• 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 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 Integrative Medicine
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.47-53
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• 2024

Purpose : This study investigated the effects of concentric and eccentric contractions on muscle strength using an isokinetic dynamometer (ID) in college students in their 20s. It aimed to understand the impact of differences between the dominant and non-dominant sides on strength asymmetry and to elucidate the clinical implications of these differences to establish an appropriate posture and environment for patients. Methods : The experiment was conducted with 30 healthy adult participants. Prior to the experiment, participants underwent a warm-up targeting the shoulders, and efforts were made to eliminate factors that could potentially influence the measurement results. Subsequently, the maximum safe range of motion of shoulder joint abduction, extension, and flexion was measured using an isokinetic muscle function testing device. Muscle strength was assessed using concentric and eccentric contractions alternating between the dominant and non-dominant sides, and paired sample t-tests were used for the analysis. Results : There was no significant difference between bilateral peak torques for eccentric contraction in shoulder joint abduction, extension, and flexion (p>0.05). There was also no significant difference between bilateral peak torques for concentric contraction in shoulder joint abduction, extension and flexion (p>0.05). Conclusion : This study found no statistically significant difference in muscle strength between the dominant and non-dominant sides during concentric and eccentric contractions. However, previous studies have shown significant differences between the dominant and non-dominant sides during eccentric and concentric contractions during internal shoulder rotation in the general population, as well as significant differences in the upper trapezius muscle. Therefore, further research is needed to support the application of different intensities for bilateral muscle strengthening exercises in clinical practice.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.38-58
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• 2004

The regain of independent ambulatory ability is a important goal in the rehabilitation program of hemiplegic patient. Not only the function of lower extremity muscles, but also trunk muscles which stabilize extremities and pelvis, are important factors in normal gait. Therefor, it is necessary to develop an effective program which can improve muscle strength and symmetric activity of trunk muscles. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of trunk muscle strengthening by forceful respiratory exercise on the gait asymmetry ratio in hemiplegic patient. 45 Hemiplegic patients due to stroke was randomized in 3 groups, forceful expiratory training(FET), forceful inspiratory training(FIT) and control group. In the experimental groups, ordinary physical therapy with forceful expiratory training and forceful inspiratory training for 20 minutes duration 3 times per week for 6 weeks were respectively performed. In the control group, only ordinary physical therapy was done. Before and after experiments, temporal-spatial gait parameters was measured in all patients. The data of 28 patients who carried out the whole experimental course were statistically analysed. The results of these experiment are as follows : 1. In comparison of difference of single support time asymmetry ratio among 3 groups, the FET group was significantly decreased than the control group (p<.05). 2. In comparison of difference of step length asymmetry ratio among 3 groups, the FIT group was significantly decreased than the control group (p<.05). Based on these results, it is concluded that the forced respiratory exercise program for 6 weeks can be improve the gait asymmetry ratio in hemiplegic patients. Therefore, the forced respiratory exercise is useful to improve the walking ability in hemiplegic patients. Since this study dealt only with the patients who could walk more than 3 meters in distance on floor independently, the further study for evaluating the influence of the forceful respiratory exercise on patients with acute stage stroke and also the development in various methods of use are expected.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.68-73
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• 2004

Transverse rectus abdominis muscle (TRAM) free flap is widely used for breast reconstruction, however donor-site morbidities such as abdominal wall weakness, hernia, bulging are troublesome. For the purpose of minimizing donor-site morbidity, there has been a surge in interests in muscle sparing free TRAM flap preserving the anatomy of rectus abdominis muscle, fascia, and motor nerve. The purpose of this study is to investigate complication and morbidity after muscle sparing free TRAM flap. Between August, 1995 and May, 2003, there were 108 cases of muscle sparing free TRAM flap of breast reconstruction. There was no abdominal hernia. There were 4 cases of dog ear, 3 cases of marginal necrosis of apron flap, 2 cases of asymmetry of umbilicus. At 1 year after operation, most patients feel comfortness in physical exercise. Muscle sparing free TRAM flap provides ample amount of well vascularized soft tissue with small inclusion of rectus abdominis muscle and fascia. Also it minimizes donor-site morbidity with rapid recovery of abdominal strength.

• Journal of the Korea Convergence Society
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• v.9 no.10
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• pp.423-432
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• 2018

The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in upper and lower strengths and symmetry between upper body injury group, lower body injury group and non-injury group of bowling athletes. The subjects were the upper body injury group (UG), n = 16, the low body injury group (LG), n = 8, the non injury group, [NG], n = 15). The isometric strength of the bowler was measured using Manual Muscle Tester 01165 (Lafayette Instrument Company, USA) and the symmetry index (SI) was calculated. The results were as follow. The symmetry index of hip extension strength and hip external rotation strength was statistically larger in NG than LG (p <.05). The above results suggest that lower body strength and bilateral symmetry was closely related to injuries of the lower body. In order to prevent injury of the bowler, strengthening of lower body strength and symmetrical training are needed.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.383-390
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• 2016

Objective: Gymnastics on rings needs a high level of muscle strength with balance ability for controlling the body. A study on a new balance training program is necessary for elite gymnasts. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of an 8-week pilates core-muscle training on balance ability and asymmetry index of the L-sit on the rings in male elite gymnasts. Method: Ten elite gymnasts (age: $20.6{\pm}0.7years$, height: $169.9{\pm}4.9cm$, weight: $65.4{\pm}5.6kg$, career duration: $20.6{\pm}0.7years$), who are students at K-university, participated in this study. Results: First, the range of the COM tended to decrease in the anterior-posterior direction. Second, the left hip joint angle and knee extension and ankle dorsiflexion angles significantly increased after the pilates training. Third, the ROM also increased. Fourth, the symmetry value increased in the hip angle, while the symmetry index in all joints of the ROM decreased. As a result, the pilates core-muscle training influenced the static balance ability during the L-sit on the rings. Conclusion: Accordingly, the pilates core-muscle training is suitable in enhancing the basic balance ability in gymnastics on rings.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.97-105
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• 2001

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of functional strengthening exercise on static and dynamic standing balance in a child with cerebral palsy. The subject was a 7 year old boy with diplegia whose Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) score was 80% along with G1 of the lower extremities in Modified Ashworth Scale. The subject was ambulatory with some degree of limitation and demonstrated muscle weakness and strength asymmetry in the lower extremities. A changing criterion design for a single-subject research was used for this study. The functional strengthening exercise consisted of lower extremity ergometer exercise and knee exercise with grading movement in standing position, each for 20 minutes, which lasted 18 sessions for 6 weeks. A knee extensor strength test on both extremities and standing balance test were conducted after each functional strengthening exercise. Two types of standing balance were tested: one leg stance test and functional reach test. One leg stance test was to evaluate static standing balance, and functional reach test was to evaluate dynamic standing balance. The results showed that the functional strengthening exercise had some positive effects on improvement of both static and dynamic standing balance, and there was a positive correlation between the knee strength and standing balance.