• PNF and Movement
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.107-117
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• 2023

Purpose: The aim of this study is to compare the immediate effects of weight-assisting methods on vastus medialis oblique (VMO) and vastus lateralis (VL) muscle activation, on the VMO/VL muscle activation ratio, and on muscle onset time in healthy subjects when ascending stairs. Methods: Healthy participants were randomly assigned to the belt group (n = 11), hand group (n = 11), and control group (n = 11). In the belt group, a belt was wrapped around the sacrum and pulled forward with both hands, moving the center of weight forward, while ascending stairs. The hand group grasped the hips with both hands and climbed stairs, assisting their weight from the rear and moving the center of weight backward, and the control group climbed the stairs without any intervention. Results: Muscle activation of the VMO decreased significantly after the intervention in the belt and hand groups, and activation of the VL muscle in both groups showed a greater decrease than that of the VMO muscle. Further, the VMO/VL muscle activation ratio increased significantly, with an improvement shown in the order of the belt group, hand group, and control group, while muscle onset time also improved in the order of the belt group, hand group, and control group. Conclusion: The belt group demonstrated the greatest effect across all dependent variables, confirming that in clinical practice, these two weight-assisting methods are more effective interventions during stair ascent for patients with knee joint instability, pain, and imbalance than no assistance.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.309-317
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• 2023

Purpose: This study set out to investigate the effects of prone hip extension with knee flexion (PHEKF) exercises according to external load on the thickness of the gluteus maximus (Gmax) and biceps femoris (BF). Methods: Twenty-three healthy men participated in this study. All subjects randomly practiced PHEKF under the burden of external loads created by sandbags (0 kg, 1 kg, and 2 kg). Rehabilitative ultrasound imaging (RUSI) was used to measure the thickness of the Gmax and BF during the PHEKF with different external loads. Results: The thickness of the Gmax was highest during the 2 kg resistance exercise and lowest at 0 kg. The thickness of the Gmax was significantly increased at 1 kg and 2 kg compared to 0 kg and significantly increased at from 1 kg to 2 kg (p < 0.05). The thickness of the biceps femoris was highest at 0 kg and lowest at 2 kg. The thickness of the biceps femoris muscle was significantly reduced at 1 kg and 2 kg compared to 0 kg (p < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between 1 kg and 2 kg (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The thickness of the Gmax was increased by applying PHEKF with a higher external load, whereas the muscle thickness of the biceps femoris decreased. These results suggest that the application of external loads during PHEKF exercises may be an effective method for selective strengthening of the Gmax.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.1-11
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• 2024

Purpose: The prevalent use of mobile devices may contribute to musculoskeletal disorders, such as forward head posture (FHP), among users. The measurement of the craniovertebral angle (CVA) using photographic images is frequently employed in assessing FHP. Although manual CVA measurement using photographic images is reliable in clinical settings, computer programs or mobile applications to support tele-physical therapy are not yet fully developed. Therefore, in the current study, we propose an automatic method for extracting CVA from photographic images of FHP subjects to facilitate tele-physical therapy. Methods: To develop the automatic CVA measuring computer program, photographic images were obtained from 10 FHP participants. The location information obtained from the markers attached to the tragus and the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra were used as coordinates. Using these coordinates, straight line 1 was generated by connecting the seventh spinous process of the cervical vertebra and the tragus, while straight line 2 was drawn parallel to the coordinate obtained from the seventh spinous process of the cervical vertebra. The arc tangent function was used to calculate the angle between the two straight lines. The automatic CVA measurement computer program utilizing photographic images was developed using MATLAB (ver. 2016b). Results: The results showed that the automatic CVA measurement computer program demonstrated stable repeatability and high accuracy. Conclusion: The proposed approach was able to automatically estimate the CVA using photographic images. The developed computer program can potentially be used for easier and more reliable clinical assessment of FHP.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.243-255
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• 2024

Purpose: Although foot muscle imbalance has been confirmed in patients with hallux valgus deformity, there is insufficient information on how corrective taping affects muscle activity and contraction rate of the foot muscles. The purpose of this study was to confirm the effectiveness of Mulligan taping as a treatment method for hallux valgus deformity by examining changes in muscle activity and contraction rate when Mulligan taping with inelastic tape was applied to these patients. Methods: Thirty-two patients with hallux valgus deformity were randomly divided into two groups, experimental and control. In the experimental group, Mulligan taping with inelastic tape was applied to correct the hallux valgus angle of the big toe, and in the control group, placebo taping was performed in which inelastic tape was applied in a straight line without modifying the angle of the big toe. Muscle activity and muscle contraction rate were measured before and after the intervention, and changes were compared and analyzed. Results: In the experimental group where Mulligan taping was applied, the muscle activity and muscle contraction rate of the abductor hallucis muscle significantly increased after the intervention (P < 0.05). On the other hand, the muscle activity and muscle contraction rate of the adductor hallucis muscle and tibialis posterior muscle significantly decreased (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in muscle activity and muscle contraction rate in the control group, where placebo taping was applied (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Mulligan taping significantly changed muscle activity and contraction rates compared to placebo taping. By correcting the position of the big toe, the activity and contraction rate of the abductor hallucis muscle increased, while the activity and contraction rate of the adductor hallucis muscle and tibialis posterior muscle decreased. Therefore, Mulligan taping is considered an intervention that can prevent symptom worsening and enhance foot function by improving muscle imbalance in patients with hallux valgus deformity.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.233-242
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• 2024

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different types of unstable loads on core and lower limb muscle activity during squatting. Methods: Nineteen subjects (all females) with resistance experience but no unstable resistance experience participated in the study. Subjects performed squats under three load conditions, and core and lower limb muscle activity was measured during eccentric and concentric contractions. Results: During the eccentric contraction, core and hip flexor activity was significantly higher with the aqua bag than with the barbell or resistance band, and for the quadriceps, the resistance band was significantly higher than the barbell. During the concentric contraction phase, core and hamstring muscle activity was significantly higher with the aqua bag than with the barbell and elastic band (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Squats with an aqua bag increase core and biceps brachii activation and can be recommended as a training method to improve trunk stability.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.19-30
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• 2008

Purpose : This study was performed for find out temporal spatial parameter of the gait according to age. Method : Four groups of healthy people were allocated randomly in this study : group I(little child, 15), group II(child, 18) and group III(young people, 17), group(elder people, 16). This study was performed from 01 December to 31 December in 2007. Results : The results were as follows : 1. The swing phase was the longest group II, group IV was the shortest. Each groups, there was significant difference in swing phase(p<.05). 2. The stance phase was the longest group IV, group II was the shortest. Each groups, there was significant difference in stance phase(p<.05). 3. The single support time was the longest group II, group IV was the shortest. Each groups, there was significant difference in single support time(p<.05). 4. The double support time was the longest group IV, group II was the shortest. Each groups, there was significant difference in double support time(p<.05). 5. The gait velocity was the fastest group II, group I was the slowest. Each groups, there was significant difference in gait velocity(p<.05). 6. The toe in/out was very increased group IV, group I was very decreased. Each groups, there was significant difference in toe in/out(p<.05). 7. The cadence was the highest group I, group IV was the lowest. Each groups, there was significant difference in cadence(p<.05). 8. The step length was the longest group III, group I was the shortest. Each groups, there was significant difference in step length(p<.05). 9. The step length asymmetry ratio was the highest group IV, group III was the lowest. Each groups, there was no significant difference in step length asymmetry ratio(p>.05). 10. The single support time asymmetry ratio was the highest group I, group IV was the lowest. Each groups, there was no significant difference in single support time asymmetry ratio (p>.05). 11. The FAP was the highest group III, group I was the lowest. Each groups, there was significant difference in FAP(p<.05).

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.299-305
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• 2012

Yam has been recognized having the beneficial effects for the prevention of various diseases, such as cancer, immunity, infection and obesity etc. There is increasing consideration to supplement the antioxidant nutrients to make up the lack of the antioxidant nutrient intakes. No study has been reported for the analysis of antioxidant mineral contents and comparison to dietary recommended intake for the sense of health promotion. In our study, we analyzed the contents of antioxidant trace elements (Zn, Mn, Fe, Cu and Se) and Cr contents in cultivated Korean yam powders for evaluation of nutrient intake aspects. We collected the commercial yam powders from six different cultivated areas in the South Korea and measured antioxidant minerals (Zn, Mn, Fe, Cu and Se) and Cr contents using trace element-free plasma spectrometer (ICP) or atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS) after dry-ashing and then wet-acid digestion. The accuracy of mineral analysis method was confirmed by the mineral analysis of standard reference material. Each analyzed element contents in yam were compared to dietary reference intakes of Koreans (KDRIs). The average levels of trace elements (Zn, Mn, Fe, Cu, Se and Cr) in yam powders were 18.3, 11.9, 36.0, 3.7, 1.9 and 1.27 ${\mu}g/g$ yam powder, respectively. The intakes of Zn, Fe, Cu and Se of which KDRIs is determined, are accounted as being up to 23.8%, 55.6%, 32.5% and 236% recommended intake (RI) of KDRIs, if daily yam supplementation (50 g) of commercial instruction would be considered. The intake of Mn is about 25% adequate intake (AI) of KDRIs with the daily supplementation of yam powder. Most of mineral intakes from daily yam supplementation were with the range of non-detectable to <10% upper limit (UL) level, which is very much safe. The study results show that daily supplementation of Korean yam power is beneficial to provide the supplemental nutrient intake and also is safe, if the suggested dosage would be considered.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.275-286
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• 2020

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to understand and analyze the current status of dementia management and rehabilitation services in Busan, South Korea, in response to the rapid increase of people with dementia due to the aging of the population. Methods: To investigate the current status of dementia rehabilitation in Busan, a survey was disseminated to dementia safety centers and day- and night-care centers in 16 districts/counties in Busan. Of the 209 day- and night-care centers, 23 institutes were registered in the National Health Insurance Service and received the highest grade (Grade A) in the institute evaluation that was implemented in each district. A telephone interview was conducted, and survey questions were related to the existence of an ongoing dementia rehabilitation program, program presenter, number of participants, progress method, program time, program duration, program contents, and participation path. Results: Dementia safety centers were implementing dementia prevention program, cognitive enhancing program, dementia program, self-help meeting and education program for family of dementia patient. The majority of the presenters of all four dementia-related programs were occupational therapists. The highest number of participants in the dementia prevention program was 15, and the highest number of participants in the cognitive enhancing program, dementia program, self-help meeting and education program for family of dementia patient was 10. All institutes' programs delivered group therapy. As for the time and frequency of the program, most dementia program included three-hour sessions five times a week. Most dementia prevention program, cognitive enhancing program, self-help meeting and education program for family of dementia patient included 60-minute sessions once a week. The most frequently observed program duration for the dementia prevention program and cognitive enhancing program was six months, and the most frequently observed duration for the dementia program was three months. Lastly, study participants most often reported that self-help meeting and education program for family of dementia patient lasted for two months. Among day- and night-care centers in Busan, programs related to cognition were implemented in 18 institutes, and the majority of the program presenters were social workers. Conclusion: In response to the rapidly growing number of dementia patients due to the aging of the population, this study examined the current status of dementia rehabilitation in Busan. The study results underscore the need to develop systems that consider the circumstances in Busan and continuously and systematically support dementia programs.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.171-183
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• 2023

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare universal goniometry (UG), which is commonly used in clinical practice to measure the range of motion (ROM) of finger joints with a wearable soft sensor glove, and to analyze the reliability to determine its usefulness. Methods: Ten healthy adults (6 males, 4 females) participated in this study. The metacarpophalangeal joint (MCP), interphalangeal joint (IP), and proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP) of both hands were measured using UG and Mollisen HAND soft sensor gloves during active flexion, according to the American Society for Hand Therapists' measurement criteria. Measurements were taken in triplicate and averaged. The mean and standard deviation of the two methods were calculated, and the 95% limits of agreement (LOA) of the measurements were calculated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman plot to examine the reliability and discrepancies between the measurements. Results: The results of the mean values of the flexion angles for the active range of motion (AROM) of the finger joints showed large angular differences in the finger joints, except for the MCP of the thumb. In the inter-rater reliability analysis according to the measurement method, the ICC (2, 1) value showed a low level close to 0, and the mean difference by the Bland-Altman plot showed a value greater than 0, showing a pattern of discrepancy. The 95% LOA had a wide range of differences. Conclusion: This study is a preliminary study investigating the usefulness of the soft sensor glove, and the reliability analysis showed a low level of reliability and inconsistency. However, if future studies can overcome the limitations of this study and the technical problems of the soft sensor glove in the development stage, it is suggested that the measurement instrument can show more accurate measurement and higher reliability when measuring ROM with UG.

• 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.