• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.87-93
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• 2022

To solve the pathological problems of the musculoskeletal system based on evidence, a sophisticated analysis of human motion is required. Traditional optical motion capture systems with high validity and reliability have been utilized in clinical practice for a long time. However, expensive equipment and professional technicians are required to construct optical motion capture systems, hence they are used at a limited capacity in clinical settings despite their advantages. The development of information technology has overcome the existing limit and paved the way for constructing a motion capture system that can be operated at a low cost. Recently, with the development of computer vision-based technology and optical markerless tracking technology, webcam-based 3D human motion analysis has become possible, in which the intuitive interface increases the user-friendliness to non-specialists. In addition, unlike conventional optical motion capture, with this approach, it is possible to analyze motions of multiple people at simultaneously. In a non-optical motion capture system, an inertial measurement unit is typically used, which is not significantly different from a conventional optical motion capture system in terms of its validity and reliability. With the development of markerless technology and advent of non-optical motion capture systems, it is a great advantage that human motion analysis is no longer limited to laboratories.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.169-173
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• 2023

Background: In terms of physical performance, elastic tape (ET) is known to contribute to injury prevention and performance enhancement. Objects: This study aimed to compare and analyze the effect on lower extremity muscle activity of young adult women with and without ET during squats. Methods: In this study, six healthy, young women were recruited as participants in a university laboratory. Participants were allocated to two groups of three after measuring muscle activity in a pre-test, and the experiment was conducted for a total of two weeks (two sessions). First, 10 half squats were taped once in the first week, and 10 half squats were performed without taping in the second week. The other group did this in reverse and measured muscle activity after the squat was over. Results: As a result of this study, there was no significant difference in the quadriceps with or without ET (Z = -0.11, p > 0.05). Similarly, no significant difference was found in hamstring (Z = -0.31, p > 0.05). Conclusion: No beneficial effect was found on changes in muscle activity following ET application during squats. Further studies require randomized controlled trials that increase the number of participants and the intensity of the intervention, and measure pain, function, and performance rather than muscle properties depending on the biomechanical lifting mechanism.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.253-260
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• 2023

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by motor and postural impairments caused by central nervous system dysfunction. It significantly impacts children's daily functioning and quality of life. Physical therapy is a crucial intervention for children with CP that aims to improve motor skills and functional abilities. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of holistic physical therapy approaches methods specifically designed for children with CP and examine recent research trends and their implications for optimizing outcomes in this population. This study employed a narrative review approach, conducting a comprehensive examination of the current literature pertaining to physical therapy methods for children with CP. The review encompassed studies exploring assessment techniques, evidence-based interventions, and innovative approaches in the field. It was discerned that encompassing physical therapy strategies, which encompass individualized treatment plans, evidence-based interventions, and the integration of innovative techniques, yield a favorable influence on the motor skills and functional capacities of children with CP. This review synthesizes the current knowledge on effective physical therapeutic strategies for children with CP. Furthermore, this review highlights the need for continued research and innovation in the field of pediatric physical therapy for CP.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.275-280
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• 2023

Background: Although warm-ups before exercise are widely accepted, research on sex differences in improving hamstring flexibility is limited. Differences in the physical and physiological characteristics between males and females may result in different responses to warm-ups. Objects: This study aimed to examine sex differences in the effects of specific warm-up on hamstring flexibility. Methods: This study included 24 young adults with hamstring tightness. The participants performed five maximal knee extensions and flexions at 90° flexion of the hip, and the maximal knee extension angle was measured in real-time using a smartphone clinometer application. Results: The groups did not significantly affect the maximal knee extension angle but showed a significant effect for repetition (p = 0.002) and group-repetition interaction (p = 0.002). Males had no significant change in hamstring flexibility; however, females showed a significant increase in flexibility in the 5^th trial compared with the 1^st trial (p = 0.041). These results demonstrated sex-specific differences in flexibility improvement over time. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that specific warm-up can successfully improve hamstring flexibility in females. This may be due to various factors, such as muscle stiffness of the lower extremity, estrogen levels, and temperature sensitivity. In clinical settings, specific warm-up might be helpful for females who participate in sports or activities, such as running or jumping, which require a full range of motion in the hip and knee joints.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.281-287
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• 2023

Background: The flexible flatfoot is characterized by a flattening of the foot arch due to excessive bodyweight. The use of shoe insoles or taping methods has been identified as effective in realigning the navicular or calcaneus bones and addressing supination in pronated feet. Objects: This study aimed to analyze the difference between the arch taping attachment method, introduced in a previous study, and a novel taping method designed to provide support to the inner aspect of the heel bone in cases of flexible flatfoot. Methods: A navicular drop test was performed to discriminate flexible flatfoot. To analyze the differences in pressure distribution during walking for each taping method, the subjects underwent testing in the barefoot state with no attachments. The procedure included a sequence of arch taping and heel taping. Subsequent analysis of pressure distribution during walking utilized the GaitRite^® system (GAITRite Gold, CIR Systems Inc.). Results: Arch taping and calcaneus taping significantly reduced the integrated pressure over time and peak pressure on the medial side of the midfoot for both feet compared to the barefoot state. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that supporting the inside of the heel through calcaneus taping, without direct stimulation to the longitudinal arch and navicular bone, is an effective intervention for flexible flatfoot.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2024

Background: Using wearable passive back-support exoskeletons in workplace has attracted attention as devices that support the posture of workers, enhance their physical capabilities, and reduce physical risk factors. Objects: This study aimed to investigate the effect of a wearable passive back-support exoskeleton on the activity of the erector spinae muscles during lifting tasks at various heights. Methods: Twenty healthy adult males were selected as subjects. Electromyography (EMG) was used to assess the activity of the erector spinae muscles while performing lifting tasks at three distinct heights (30, 40, and 50 cm), with and without the application of the Wearable Passive Back Support Exoskeleton. EMG data were gathered before and after the application of the orthosis. Results: The use of the Wearable Passive Back Support Exoskeleton resulted in a significant decrease in muscle activity when lifting a 10 kg object from heights of 30 and 40 cm (p < 0.05). Additionally, there was a significant reduction in muscle activity when lifting from a height of 50 cm compared with that at lower heights (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The use of a wearable passive back-support exoskeleton led to a decrease in the activity of the erector spinae muscles during lifting tasks, irrespective of the object's height. Our results suggest that the orthosis we tested may help decrease risk of lower back injuries during lifting.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.48-54
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• 2024

Background: Promoting patients' safe return home at discharge and reducing length of stay in hospital is key for Restorative Rehabilitation Institution (RMI). Objects: This study was designed to identify the factors influencing the return to home and length of stay among various factors. Methods: A total of 120 stroke patients (76 males and 44 females) who were hospitalized in an adult inpatient unit of a RMI for more than 2 months were retrospectively analyzed for this study (multivariate logistic regression analyses, p < 0.001). As predictor variables for assessing the return to home and length of stay, demographic data (sex, age, duration between onset and admission, length of stay, caregiver after discharge, occupation after discharge, reason for discharge, and household type after discharge) were collected. Additionally, following measurements were selectively collected from patient's medical records: scores of Mini-Mental State Examination Korean version (K-MMSE), modified Barthel Index Korean version (K-MBI), Berg Balance Scale and Functional Ambulation Category were obtained at admission and discharge. Results: The K-MMSE at admission and K-MBI at discharge were found to be the predictors of return to home. Additionally, K-MBI at admission influenced the length of stay. Conclusion: This study suggests cognitive functioning at admission and the level of activities of daily living at discharge predicted the return to home and length of stay.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.159-166
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• 2024

Background: For instance, forward head posture (FHP), characterized by the forward movement of the head relative to the spine, places significant stress on the neck and upper back muscles, disrupting the biomechanical balance of the body. Objects: The objective of this study was to probe the biomechanical effects of FHP on musculoskeletal health through a relative analysis of 26 adults diagnosed with FHP and 26 healthy controls. Methods: In this study, we evaluated the biomechanical impacts of FHP. Participants adjusted their head positions and underwent muscle strength tests, including electromyography assessments and the Biering-Sørensen test for trunk muscle endurance. Data analysis was conducted using Kinovea (Kinovea) and IBM SPSS software ver. 26.0 (IBM Co.) to compare muscle activities between groups with normal and FHPs. Results: The study shows that individuals with FHP have significantly lower muscle activity, endurance, and spinal extension in the erector spinae compared to those without, highlighting the detrimental effects of FHP on these muscles. Conclusion: This study underscores the impact of FHP on erector spinae function and emphasizes the need for posture correction to enhance musculoskeletal health and guide future research on intervention strategies.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.104-113
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• 2024

Forward Head Posture (FHP) involves the anterior positioning of the head relative to the shoulders, often associated with muscular imbalances. It is known that individuals with FHP experience shortening of craniocervical extensors and cervical flexors. However, contrary to the understanding of flexion in the craniocervical extension subaxial region, a study has reported flexion in the craniovertebral spinal vertebrae among individuals with FHP. The aim of this study was to examine the consistency of biomechanical study results conducted for FHP. The relevant studies were investigated in PubMed and Google Scholar databases using the keywords "forward head posture OR cervical sagittal alignment OR cervical spine AND biomechanics OR kinetic analysis OR kinematic analysis." During the research selection process, only nine studies relevant to the purpose of our study were identified. Out of these nine studies, four conducted kinematic analysis related to FHP formation, while six conducted kinetic analysis. During the comparison of these studies, five inconsistencies were identified. Biomechanical studies on FHP reveal conflicting findings, suggesting potential variability in the biomechanics of FHP formation across individuals. However, drawing definitive conclusions requires further exploration through additional biomechanical investigations on FHP in the future.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.10-17
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• 2013

The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of the duration of smartphone usage on cervical and lumbar spine flexion angles and reposition error in the cervical spine. The study included 18 healthy smartphone users (7 males and 11 females). We measured the kinematics of the upper and lower cervical and lumbar spine flexion angles and the reposition error of the upper and lower cervical spine after 3 s and 300 s smartphone use in sitting. A paired t-test was used to compare the effects of the duration of smartphone usage on the kinematics of cervical and lumbar spine flexion angles and reposition error. The flexion angles of the lower cervical and lumbar spine and the reposition error in the upper and lower cervical spine were significantly increased after 300 s smartphone of use (p<.05). However, the flexion angle of the upper cervical spine was not significantly different between the 3 s and 300 s smartphone of use (p>.05). These findings suggest that prolonged use of smartphones can induce changes in cervical and lumbar spine posture and proprioception in the cervical spine.