• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.46-53
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• 2008

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) leg patterns on the muscle activation of neck flexors. Twenty healthy subjects participated in this study. Each subject performed bilateral asymmetrical PNF leg patterns against manual resistance under four conditions: through the full range of motion toward the right side, left side, and the end range in the right side, left side. Electromyographic (EMG) data was collected from the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscles as neck flexors. The root mean square (RMS) value of the SCM was measured and normalized from maximal EMG activity of the SCM. The data were analyzed using the paired t-test and repeated analysis of variance (ANOV A) was used to compare the statistical significance. The results of this study are summarized as follows: Firstly, the RMS values of SCM were significantly higher in all four PNF leg patterns than in the resting condition (p<.05). Secondly, there was no significant difference in muscle activation according to the direction of PNF leg patterns (p>.05). Thirdly, there was no significant difference in muscle activation according to the point of range of the motion of leg patterns (p>.05). It is suggested that PNF bilateral asymmetrical leg patterns have a considerable effect on muscle activation of the SCM, regardless of the range of motion and direction of PNF bilateral asymmetrical leg patterns.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.129-133
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• 2019

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate effect of ankle instability on peripheral muscle activation among female ballet dancers to provide information on the development of prevention programs for ankle injury rehabilitation. Methods: 32 female ballet dancers were randomly divided into two groups: experience ankle sprain group (n=16, age, $20.7{\pm}0.8years$, BMI $18.6{\pm}1.2kg/m2$) and non-experience ankle sprain group (n=16, $age=21.0{\pm}0.8years$, BMI $19.6{\pm}2.0kg/m2$). Activation of the peroneus longus, tibialis anterior muscle, and gastrocnemius during vertical landing, half pointe, and gait between the two groups were measured. Body composition analyzer was used to examine skeletal muscle mass and body fat mass. Results: A total of 32 patients were included. In the experience ankle sprain group (n=16: left sprain 14, right sprain 2), average ankle sprain injury occurred 7.5 months before the study. The average age of the dancers in the experience ankle sprain group and non-experience ankle sprain group was $20.7{\pm}0.8$ and $21.0{\pm}0.8years$, major period was $64.5{\pm}23.8$ and $71.6{\pm}25.8months$, BMI was $18.6{\pm}1.2$ and $19.5{\pm}2.0kg/m2$, respectively. No significant differences were found on body composition between the two groups (p>0.05). The experience ankle sprain group showed significantly lower tibialis anterior and peroneus longus muscle activation (p<0.5), while gastrocnemius muscle activation appeared to be significantly higher (p<0.05) during landing, half pointe, and normal gait. Conclusion: Ankle sprain can cause a decline in peripheral muscle activation and coordination, which increased the risk for repetitive ankle sprain in the future. Moreover, ankle peripheral muscle selective strength training, coordination program development, and application need to be considered to prevent ankle sprain.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.219-229
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• 2015

Objective : The purpose of this study was to analyze EMG according to surface type and elastic band usage during the pilates Superman movement. Method : The subjects were 10 female university students with a mean age of 27. The independent variables were surface type (yoga mat, air filled equipment, elastic mat) and elastic band usage. In order to measure muscle activity, the Noraxon(USA) was used. Eight muscles (upper trapezius, lower trapezius, thoracic spine, lumbar spine, gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, biceps femoris, semitendinosus) activation were analyzed. For the statistical analysis, MANOVA, independent t-test and Scheffe test for the post-hoc via SPSS 20.0 was used. Results : The left and right upper trapezius muscle activities were significantly reduced when using the elastic bands. In addition gluteus medius muscle activities significantly increased with the elastic band as well. Conclusion : According to the usage of the elastic band and the different types of surfaces, different muscle groups were recruited. Elastic bands were found to have more activation on the gluteus medius muscle meanwhile there was less activation on the upper trapezius during the pilates Superman movement.

• The Transactions of The Korean Institute of Electrical Engineers
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• v.67 no.7
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• pp.910-916
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• 2018

In this paper, we developed a shoulder rehabilitation exercise device and monitoring system to remotely provide rehabilitation system for the ones who need shoulder exercises including the patients with rotator cuff rupture. In order to evaluate the severity of shoulder muscle injury, a total of 4 shoulder rehabilitation exercises ((3) shoulder abduction, (2) shoulder flexion, (3) shoulder abduction with elbow flexion, (4) shoulder extension with elbow flexion) were selected and instructed to be performed with a 3 kg dumbbell for 5 times. For EMG (electromyogram) signal analysis, each subject's maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) was measured. EMG signals reflect the activation level of contracting muscles during dynamic exercises. Six participants' muscle activation levels in posterior deltoid, middle deltoid, upper trapezius, and infraspinatus were measured and compared. The mean power spectrum values in the time and frequency domains were compared between two age-matched groups (20s and 50s). The results showed lower muscle activation in the elderly subjects (n=3) compared to that of the ones in their twenties (n=3).

• PNF and Movement
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.217-226
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• 2017

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a modified abdominal draw-in maneuver on trunk stability and functional capacity as well as pain in patients with chronic low back pain. Methods: The study included 3 patients with chronic low back pain who volunteered to participate. The modified abdominal draw-in maneuver included a posterior pelvic tilt, a traditional abdominal draw-in maneuver, and a vibration sensory feedback device. Voluntary abdominal contraction using the vibration sensory feedback device was performed by the subjects for more than 1 hour per day, 5 times per week, for 6 weeks along with common low back pain treatment. Electromyographic signals in the rectus abdominis (RA), external oblique (EO), internal oblique (IO), and erector spinae (ES) muscles were measured to compare muscle activation. The degree of pain was measured using the visual analogue scale (VAS), and functional capacity was measured using the Korea Oswestry Disability Index (K-ODI). All results were compared to the means before and after intervention. Results: After the intervention, the RA, EO, and IO showed increased muscle activation and the ES showed decreased muscle activation. The visual analogue scale decreased after intervention and the K-ODI decreased after intervention. Conclusion: Modified abdominal draw-in maneuvers in daily life combined with therapeutic exercises may be effective in relieving pain and dysfunctions in chronic low back pain patients.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.75-79
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• 2020

Purpose: This study analyzed the immediate effects of intra-abdominal pressure with visual feedback on the muscle activation of the upper trapezius and sternomastoid during natural inspiration and forced inspiration in individuals with costal respiration. Methods: The eighteen individuals with upper costal breathing pattern participated in this study. Surface electromyography was used to analyze the muscle activity of the upper trapezius and sternomastoid during natural inspiration and forced inspiration before and after intra-abdominal pressure. Results: A significant difference in muscle activation was observed with the muscle type, inspiration type, and test session (p<0.05). The muscle activities of the sternomastoid and upper trapezius decreased significantly during forced inspiration after intra-abdominal pressure training (p<0.05). On the other hand, there was no significant difference during natural inspiration in both muscles (p>0.05). A comparison of the difference between the pre-test and post-test during forced inspiration revealed the upper trapezius to be significantly larger than the sternomastoid (p<0.05). No significant difference was noted during natural inspiration (p>0.05). Conclusion: The intra-abdominal pressure has positive effects on correcting the breathing patterns in individuals with costal respiration.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Neurotherapy
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.31-36
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• 2018

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of contact handorientation response(CHOR) during sit-to-stand(STS) in people with stroke. Methods The subjects of the study were Thirty hemiplegia participated (Rt. hemiplegia/Lt. hemiplegia: 15/15, mean age: $65.82{\pm}8.53$) in this study. The analysis of muscles activation (rectus femoris, biceps femoris, tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius) distribution was conducted by the EMG, and the analysis of foot pressure distribution was conducted by the resistive pressure sensor. Hemiplegic stroke patients were instructed to perform STS three times with the non-affected side hand and affected side hand on the table. Results There was a significant positive correlation between rectus femoris, tibialis anterior muscle activation and affected side hand contact during STS(p<0.05). The STS correlated with the foot pressure in the affected side hand contact(p<0.05). Conclusion AS a result, CHOR during STS is related to muscle activation and the characteristics of foot pressure. This information was observed in the affected side hand contact on the table, suggestion that rehabilitation programs should be implemented.

• Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.2308-2313
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• 2021

Background: Although the scapular posterior tilt movement could facilitate the lower trapezius (LT) muscle activity, no study identified the effects of the scapular posterior tilt movement on the selective activation of the LT muscle during prone shoulder extension. Objectives: To examine the influences of additional scapular posterior tilt on electromyography (EMG) of the upper trapezius (UT) and the LT muscles during prone shoulder extension. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: There were 15 asymptomatic male participants in this study who performed prone shoulder extension with and without scapular posterior tilt movements. For the scapular posterior tilt movements, participants performed visual biofeedback training for scapular movement using motion sensor. During the exercises, the EMG activity of the UT and LT was recorded using surface EMG system. Results: The EMG activity of the LT significantly increased during prone shoulder extension with scapular posterior tilt compared to that of general prone shoulder extension, whereas that of the UT was not significantly different between the two exercises. Moreover, scapular posterior tilt application significantly decreased UT/LT muscle activity ratio. Conclusion: Scapular posterior tilt movement may be emphasized during exercise when facilitating LT muscle activation.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.41-47
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• 2018

Objective: To investigate the effect of performing three different toe touch (TT) task condition on the activities of four different muscles using surface electromyography (sEMG) in healthy young adults. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: A total of 20 healthy young adults (6 males, 14 females) voluntarily participated in this study. All subject randomly performed three different TT task conditions as follows: general toe-touch (GTT) task, one side toe touch (TT) task during weight bearing, and one side foward toe touch (FTT) task during weight bearing. The muscle activities of erector spinae (ES), gluteus maximus (GM), hamstring (HAM), tibialis anterior (TA) muscles during the TT task were measured using sEMG. Subject performed each of the three conditions three time in random order and mean values were obtained. Results: With the trunk flexion period, the TT and FTT showed significantly greater muscle activity in the GM, HAM and TA compared to the GTT task (p<0.05). The TT position showed significantly greater HAM muscle activity than the GTT position. The dominant and nondominant ES muscle activity was significantly greater in the FTT compared to the GTT position (p<0.05). The dominant GM, HAM, and TA was significantly greater in the TT and FTT compared to the GTT position (p<0.05). Although the dominant ES was significantly greater in the TT and FTT compared to the GTT position (p<0.05), the dominant GM muscle activity was signifcantly greater in the TT compared with the GTT position (p<0.05). Conclusions: These findings may be applicable within the clinical field for selective trunk and lower extremity muscle activation and basic biomechanics purpose.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.37-43
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• 2018

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze muscle activation of the lower extremities as a function of changes of the center of pressure (CoP) of the foot during squats in order to provide quantitative information to trainers who would like to teach correct movements for developing muscles. Method: Ten men with over three years of weight training experience participated in this study (age: $26.1{\pm}0.8yrs$, height: $171.2{\pm}3.9cm$, body mass: $71.1{\pm}5.7kg$, 60%RM: $84{\pm}9kg$, career: $4.0{\pm}0.7yrs$). The participants were instructed to perform a squat in each of 3 conditions, with different CoP's (the front, middle, and rear of the foot). Results: The position of the CoP showed significant differences according to instructions in both the eccentric and concentric contraction phases (p < .05). The range of movement of the hip and ankle joints showed significant differences corresponding to changes of the CoP position (p < .05). The rectus femoris and gluteus maximus muscle showed significant differences for different CoP positions only in the concentric contraction phase, while the gastrocnemius and anterior tibialis were significantly different in both the concentric and eccentric contraction phase (p < .05). Conclusion: When the target muscle of squat training is the gastrocnemius, the CoP should be located in the front of the foot for effective muscle training. When the target muscles of squat training are the gluteus maximus and quadriceps femoris, the CoP should be located on the rear of the foot.