• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.115-118
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• 2013

Objective: Whole body vibration training is a relatively new approach for enhancement of muscle strength, physical performance, and balance. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of unilateral whole body vibration training. Design: One group pretest-posttest design. Methods: Sixteen healthy, physically active volunteers participated in this study. Whole body vibration was applied with a frequency of 20 Hz and an amplitude of 3 mm for 3 minutes. Muscle performance and static balance were assessed before and after unilateral whole body vibration training. One leg standing broad jump test was measured to determine muscle performance which is closely linked to lower extremity muscle function. The good balance system was used in evaluation static balance. All test were measured 3 times and the average value was analyzed. Results: Jumping length was significantly improved by 0.11m in all participants after intervention (p<0.05). Among static parameters, significant results were observed where in the eyes opened condition, X-speed (medial-lateral sway) changed from 4.20 mm/s to 4.95 mm/s, Y-speed (anterior-posterior sway) changed from 5.77 mm/s to 6.54 mm/s and velocity moment changed from $12.77mm^2/s$ to $13.57mm^2/s$ (p<0.05). In the eyes closed condition, X-speed changed from 4.34 mm/s to 4.85 mm/s, Y-speed changed from 7.84 mm/s to 8.16 mm/s and velocity moment changed from $16.03mm^2/s$ to $16.11mm^2/s$ (p<0.05). Conclusions: Immediate unilateral whole body vibration improved muscle performance but impaired static balance in young adults.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.11-21
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• 2016

PURPOSE: This study was examined the effects of aerobic exercise using a step box and lower extremity strengthening exercise with an elastic band on the balance ability and lower extremity muscular strength in elderly subjects. METHODS: Forty-one healthy adults were randomly divided into experimental group 1 (Exp 1, n=14), experimental group 2 (Exp 2, n=14), and a control group (n=13). The Exp 1 conducted lower limb strengthening exercise using an elastic band and the Exp 2 performed aerobic exercise with a step box 50 minutes per day, twice per week, for eight weeks. RESULTS: There was significant increase in the Exp 1 and Exp 2 in comparison of the change of lower limb muscle strength according to measurement time (p<.05). But there was no significant difference according to intervention methods. In one-leg standing test change among the three groups after the intervention, the Exp 1 and Exp 2 saw significant improvement compared to the control group (p<.05) but there was no significant difference according to intervention methods. The change of the functional reaching test results, the Exp 1 and Exp 2 saw significant improvement according to the time of measurement. In the change of the Timed Up and Go test, there was significant improvement in the Exp 1 and Exp 2 compared to the control group (p<.01), but there was no significant difference according to intervention methods. CONCLUSION: Exercise to lower extremity strengthening program accompanied with aerobic exercise is considered more effective in dynamical balance and ability to walk.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.91-101
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• 2017

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to verify the effect of trunk strengthening exercise using oscillation by comparing trunk muscle thickness, as well as balance of healthy adults during exercises performed with an oscillatory device and non-oscillatory device. METHODS: Twenty-two participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the trunk strengthening exercise using oscillation (TSEO) group (n=11) or the trunk strengthening exercise using non-oscillation (TSEN) group (n=11). Subjects in all groups performed the exercises three days per week for 6 weeks. All subjects performed four types of exercises: pull over, seated twist, power push, and diagonal power plank. Trunk muscle thickness of the rectus abdominis (RA), internal oblique (IO), external oblique (EO), transverse abdominis (TrA), and multifidus (MT) were measured with an ultrasonography. The balance ability were evaluated using the Romberg test with eyes open, eyes closed, one-leg standing test (OLST), and limits of stability (LOS). All tests were performed before the intervention, as well as after 6 weeks and 8 weeks of exercises. RESULTS: There was a significant difference of RA, IO, TrA, and MT according to the main effect of the time (p<.05). There was a significant difference of IO and LOS according to interaction effect between the time and group (p<.05). CONCLUSION: As intended, the cyclic forces induced by the oscillating device did increase trunk muscle thickness. However, the effect was limited and significant only for the IO muscle. Combining trunk strengthening exercise with oscillation appears to be more effective in improving dynamic balance.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.200-207
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• 2021

Background: Postural control deficit is a major characteristic in patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI). Elastic ankle tapings are commonly used to facilitate postural control in patients with CAI as well as prevent relapse of a lateral ankle sprain. However, equivocal evidence exists concerning the effect of elastic ankle taping on postural control. Objects: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of elastic ankle tapings using kinesio taping (KT) and dynamic taping (DT) on static and dynamic postural control in patients with CAI. Methods: Fifteen subjects with CAI were participated in this study. The participants performed tests under three conditions (barefoot, KT, and DT). Static postural control was evaluated using the one-leg standing test (OLST) and dynamic postural control using the modified Star Excursion Balance Test (mSEBT). One-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to compare center of pressure (CoP) data and normalized mSEBT reach distances among the three conditions (with α = 0.05). Results: The CoP parameters (path length, ellipse area, and mean velocity) of the OLST significantly decreased on applying KT and DT compared with those when barefoot. The normalized reach distances in the anteromedial (AM), medial (M), and posteromedial (PM) directions of the mSEBT significantly increased with DT compared to that in the control condition. Further, the higher reach distances with KT compared with those in the control condition were obtained in the M and PM directions of the mSEBT. No significant differences were identified in any of the OLST and SEBT parameters between the two different taping applications. Conclusion: KT and DT improved static postural control during the OLST compared with the control condition. Moreover, these tapes improved dynamic postural control during the mSEBT compared to the control. Therefore, elastic ankle tapings are useful prophylactic devices for the prevention and treatment of ankle sprain in people with CAI.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.101-108
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• 2022

Purpose : This study was conducted to investigate the effect of muscle taping and joint taping on static and dynamic balance in normal adults with chronic ankle instability. Methods : The subjects of this study were 32 people who met the inclusion criteria. This cross-sectional study was conducted using the Kinesio tape, an elastic tape, was used. Subjects were randomized to exclude the effect of sequence, and no taping, joint taping, and muscle taping were applied as taping interventions. One-leg standing test and a Functional reach test were conducted to measure static balance, and Y-balance test was conducted to measure dynamic balance. One way repeated ANOVA was performed to investigate the difference in balance ability according to the taping intervention. If there was a significant difference, a post-hoc was performed using the Bonferroni method. Results : In the case of static balance, joint taping showed more significant results than did no taping and muscle taping (p<.05), and muscle taping showed more significant results than did no taping (p<.05). In the case of dynamic balance, muscle taping showed significantly larger results than did no taping and joint taping (p<.05) and joint taping showed significantly larger results than did no taping (p<.05). Conclusion : This study found that mechanical stimulation of muscles and joint compression by elastic taping increased ankle stability and improved static and dynamic balance. In particular, for static balance, joint taping was more effective than muscle taping, and for dynamic balance, muscle taping was more effective than joint taping. Applying the appropriate taping method to individual subjects has the advantage of maximizing the therapeutic effect for the recovery of balance ability. Similarly, the application of various tapings to subjects with ankle instability will have a positive effect on functional improvement.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.183-190
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• 2015

Objective : Walking with a Material handling is an activity frequently undertaken by agricultural workers in Korea, due to the nature of their work. This study aimed to investigate differences in biomechanical variables according to the mechanical alignment of the lower limbs when walking with a heavy load, and to use this as basic data in the design of various working environments to reduce the skeletomuscular burden on the knee joint. Method : The study subjects comprised of 22 right-foot dominant adult men and women aged between 20 and 23 years. The subjects were divided into a varus or valgus group according to the mechanical alignment of the lower limb by using radiographic findings. The subjects walked without any load and with a load of 10%, 20%, or 30% of their body weight held in front of them. The Kwon3d XP program was used to calculate biomechanical variables. Results : The flexion/extension moment of the knee joint showed a decreasing trend with increased load, irrespective of the mechanical alignment of the lower limb, while the varus group did not show normal compensatory action when supported by one leg at the point of maximum vertical ground reaction force. In addition, in terms of the time taken, subjects showed no difficulties in one-foot support time up to 20%/BW, but at 30%/BW, despite individual differences, there was an increase in single limb. The increased load resulted in a decrease in the ratio of standing phase to ensure physical stability. The valgus group showed a trend of increasing the stability of their center of mass with increasing load, through higher braking power in the early standing phase. Conclusion : In conclusion, although there was no statistical difference in biomechanical variables according to the mechanical alignment of the lower limbs, the varus group showed a more irregular walking pattern with a Material handling than the valgus group, partially proving the association between lower limb alignment and walking with a Material handling.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.275-288
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• 2024

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of breathing techniques on trunk muscle activity and balance during Pilates reformer footwork exercises, comparing results both within and between groups before and after the intervention. Methods: Thirty-one adult women over the age of 20 were selected as subjects for this study. They were divided into a Pilates breathing group (n = 15) and a general breathing group (n = 16) using a randomized control group study design. A surface electromyogram was used to measure muscle activity within and between the groups before and after the reformer footwork exercise. Static balance measurements were taken while standing on two legs, and dynamic balance measurements were taken while standing on one leg. All measurements were taken three times, and the average values were used for analysis. Results: The results of the study showed that muscle activity increased with significant differences in the external oblique and transverse abdominal muscles after exercise in the pre-post comparison within the Pilates breathing group (p < 0.05). In the between-group comparison, there was a significant difference in the increase in muscle activity of the external oblique and transverse abdominal muscles in the Pilates breathing group (p < 0.05). In the pre-post comparison of static and dynamic balance within the Pilates breathing group, there was a significant increase (p < 0.05) after exercise. The Pilates breathing group also showed a significant increase even in the between-group comparison (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study confirmed that reformer footwork exercise accompanied by Pilates breathing has positive effects on muscle activity and static balance ability of trunk muscles in adult women. Therefore, reformer footwork exercise accompanied by Pilates breathing can be presented as an effective exercise method to increase trunk stability and balance ability through the simultaneous activity of the trunk muscles.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.29-36
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• 2011

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of 6-week sensorimotoor training on balance ability and lower limb muscle activation during gait in older adults. Methods: Twenty-four community-dwelling older adults between 65 and 90 years of age participated in this study. In the older adults of the experimental group (n=12), the sensorimotor training program was performed bare feet. General exercise was performed in the control group (n=12). Then, both groups exercised three times a week for forty minutes over a 6-week period. Balance ability was evaluated by One leg stand (OLS) test for determining the static balance and Timed Up & Go (TUG) test for determining the dynamic balance. In addition, muscle activation of the dominant lower limb tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius medialis muscles were measured by surface EMG to evaluate muscle activation during gait. Results: A significant improvement was seen in the one leg standing (OLS) time after exercise in both the sensorimotor training (SMT) group and general exercise (GE) group (p<0.05) and the change in the SMT group was greater than that in the GE group (p<0.05). A significant reduction was seen in the Timed Up & Go (TUG) test time after exercise in both the SMT group and GE group (p<0.05). Also, a significant increase was seen in muscle activation of tibialis anterior muscle after exercise in the SMT group (p<0.05), but no such significant increase was seen in the GE group (p>0.05). Conclusion: These results suggest that sensorimotor training improves the balance in older adults and has a more positive effect on muscular strength and gait. Sensorimotor training provided a variance of training environment and COG exercise of the body is thought to be a more effective exercise program that improves balance and gait ability in older adults.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.84-93
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• 2020

Despite of a lot of studies about proprioception tests, there are little study results to investigate the relationship between the functional movement and proprioception level. In this study, we tried to perform quantitative analysis for the effect of ankle joint proprioception level on the one leg standing postural control ability. Nine healthy people volunteered for this study. Force and position aspects of proprioception were evaluated using the electromyography system (EMG) and mobile clinometer application, respectively. The center of pressure (COP) trajectories, measured by a pressure mat sensor, were used for quantitative analysis of balance for each subject. We computed indices and errors of force and position aspects of proprioception from the EMG and ankle angle. Mean velocity of total and anterior-posterior direction (Vm and Vm_ap), root mean squared distance in anterior-posterior direction (RDap), travel length (L), and area (A) of COP trajectories were also calculated as indices of postural control ability of subjects. Two aspects of proprioception showed the low correlation from each other as previous studies. However, the EMG error of gastrocnemius lateral activation showed a high correlation coefficient with COP variables such as Vm (ρ=0.817, p=0.007), Vm_ap (ρ=0.883, p=0.002), RDap (ρ=0.854, p=0.003), L (ρ=0.817, 0.007) and A (ρ=0.700, p=0.036). Within our knowledge, this is almost the first study that investigated the relationship between proprioception level and functional movement. These study results could support that the ankle joint proprioception facilitation exercise would have positive effects on functional balance rehabilitation interventions.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.35-45
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• 2015

Purpose: This study was done to determine whether muscle strength training programs have an impact on improving symptoms of urinary incontinence (UI) and physical function among elderly women with UI who reside in long-term care facilities. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted. Participants had to be over 65 years, score over 15 score on the mini-mental state examination, and be able to walk alone or with an assistant. Seventy residents were randomly allocated to either the training group (n=35) or control group (n=35). The program consisted of 50 minutes, twice a week for 8 weeks, and included Kegel's exercise, Thera-band training and indoor walking. Main outcomes were UI symptoms, peak vaginal pressure and physical functions measured with timed up and go test (TUG), one leg standing test (OLST), activities of daily living (ADL) and grip strength. Changes in outcome measurements were calculated from baseline to 4 weeks and to 8 weeks using repeated measures ANOVA. Results: There were significant differences in peak vaginal pressure (p<.001), TUG (p<.001), OLST (p=.012) and grip strength (p<.001) in the interaction between groups and time. Conclusion: Future studies are suggested to confirm the effect of muscle strength training in long-term care facilities where elderly women with UI reside.