• Journal of the Korean Society for Precision Engineering
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• v.30 no.5
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• pp.559-563
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• 2013

This study aims to quantify the effects of medication (Med) and deep brain stimulation (DBS) on resting rigidity in patients with Parkinson's disease. We tested 10 limbs of five patients under each of four treatment conditions: 1) baseline, 2) DBS, 3) Med, 4) DBS + Med. Rigidity at the wrist joint was assessed using the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). The examiner randomly imposed flexion and extension movement on patient's wrist joint. Resistance to passive movement was quantified by viscoelastic properties. Not only rigidity score but also damping constant showed improvements in rigidity by DBS and Med treatments (p<0.05). This indicates that the viscosity can represent the change in rigidity due to DBS as well as Med, which was manifested by UPDRS score.

• Korean Journal of Optics and Photonics
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• v.14 no.5
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• pp.509-514
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• 2003

Mach-Zehnder interferometric wavelength converters with monolithically integrated semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOA's) have been fabricated and characteristics of wavelength conversion at 10 Gb/s have been investigated for wavelength span of 40 nm. The devices have been achieved by using a butt-joint combination of buried ridge structure type SOA's and passive waveguides. In the integration, a new method has been applied that removes p+InP cladding layer leading to high propagation loss and forms simultaneously the current blocking and the cladding layer using undoped InP. The module packaging has been achieved by using a titled fiber array for effective coupling into the tilted waveguide in the wavelength converter. Using the module, wavelength conversion with power penalty lower than 1 ㏈ at 10 Gb/s has been demonstrated for wavelength span of 40 nm. In addition, it is show that the module can provide 2R (re-amplification, re-shaping) operation by demonstrating the conversion with the negative penalty.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Precision Engineering
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.178-184
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• 2012

This paper presents a transformable track mechanism for wall climbing robots. The proposed mechanism allows a wall climbing robot to go over obstacles by transforming the track shape, and also increases contact area between track and wall surface for safe attachment. The track mechanism is realized using a timing belt track with one driving actuator. The inner frame of the track consists of serially connected 5R-joints and 1P-joint, and all joints of the inner frame are passively operated by springs, so the mechanism does not require any actuators and complex control algorithms to change its shape. Static analysis is carried out to determine design parameters which enable $90^{\circ}$ wall-to-wall transition and driving over projected obstacles on wall surfaces. A Prototype is manufactured using the transformable track on which polymer magnets are installed for adhesion force. The size of the prototype is $628mm{\times}200mm{\times}150mm$ ($Length{\times}Width{\times}Height$) and weight is 4kgf. Experiments are performed to verify its climbing capability focusing on $90^{\circ}$ wall to wall transition and driving over projected obstacle.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.333-338
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• 2019

Purpose: Although previous studies on the screw-home movement (SHM) for autopsy specimen and walking of living persons conducted, the possibility of acquiring SHM based on inertial measurement units received little attention. This study aimed to investigate the possibility of measuring SHM for the non-weighted bearing using a micro-electro-mechanical system-based wearable motion capture system (MEMSS). Methods: MEMSS and camera-based motion analysis systems were used to obtain kinematic data of the knee joint. The knee joint moved from the flexion position to a fully extended position and then back to the start point. The coefficient of multiple correlation and the difference in the range of motion were used to assess the waveform similarity in the movement measured by two measurement systems. Results: The waveform similarity in the sagittal plane was excellent and the in the transverse plane was good. Significant differences were found in the sagittal plane between the two systems (p<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the transverse plane between the two systems (p>0.05). Conclusion: The SHM during the passive motion without muscle contraction in the non-weighted bearing appeared in the entire range. We thought that the MEMSS could be easily applied to the acquisition of biomechanical data on the knee related to physical therapy.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A
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• v.41 no.6
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• pp.469-475
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• 2017

Workers in industrial fields are highly exposed to accidents or injuries caused by long working hours. An exoskeleton that is able to support the arm muscles of the worker and thereby reduce the probability of an accident and enhance working efficiency could be a solution to this problem. However, existing exoskeletons demand the use of high-priced sensors and motors, which makes them difficult to use in industrial fields. To solve this problem, we developed an arm assisting exoskeleton that consists only of mechanical components without any electronic sensors or motors. The exoskeleton follows the movement of the human arm by shoulder joint and ankle joint. In addition, counterbalance mechanisms are installed on the exoskeleton to support arm strength. The experimental validation of the exoskeleton was conducted using an EMG sensor, confirming the performance of the exoskeleton.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.101-108
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• 2021

Purpose : The purpose of this study is to verify the effect of selective muscle strengthening of the knee joint extensor muscles using a pressure biofeedback unit to improve knee extensor strength and the balance ability of total knee replacement patients. Through this, we tried to provide clinical information. Methods : In this study, 12 patients with total knee replacement were recruited from a rehabilitation hospital. They were divided into two groups: a feedback group (n=6) and a control group (n=6). All patients received 30 minutes of continuous passive motion and leg-strengthening exercises for 15 minutes five times a week for two weeks. Subjects performed knee extension exercises with or without biofeedback units in the sitting position. The knee extensor strength and balance ability were measured before and after exercise. Knee extensor strength was measured by Biodex system 3 and balance ability was measured by Balancia software. Results : Both the experimental group and the control group showed a significant difference in the muscle strength of the knee joint extensor muscles after intervention (p<.05). In comparison, the experimental group showed a significant difference than the control group (p<.05). Both the experimental group and the control group showed a significant difference in the velocity average, path length, area 95 % center of pressure (COP), weight distribution, five times sit to stand test (FTSST) after intervention. In comparison, the experimental group showed a significant difference in velocity average, area 95 % COP, and FTSST than the control group (p<.05). Conclusion : In order to strengthen the knee extensor muscle and improve the balance ability in total knee replacement patients, it is necessary to consider providing pressure biofeedback unit during leg strengthening exercises.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.16-23
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• 2022

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of adding hip abductor strengthening to conventional rehabilitation on muscle strength and physical function following total knee replacement (TKR) for knee osteoarthritis. Design: Randomized controlled trial Methods: Thirty-five participants were randomly allocated to exercise groups I (n=18) and II (n=17). Group I underwent hip abductor training and conventional rehabilitation for 30 min per day, 5 days per week for 4 weeks. Group II underwent conventional rehabilitation for 30 min per day, 5 days per week for 4 weeks. The participants in both groups also received continuous passive motion therapy for 15 min per day, 5 days per week for 4 weeks. To investigate the effect of the intervention, the Biodex dynamometer was used to measure the peak torque of both knee extensors and hip abductors. This study used the Knee Outcome Survey-Activities of Daily Living Scale (KOS-ADLS) to assess physical function, as well as the figure-of-8 walk test (F8W) and the stair climb test (SCT). Results: According to the interventions, exercise groups I and II showed significantly improved muscle strength and KOS-ADLS, F8W, and SCT scores (p<0.001). Compared with that of exercise group II, exercise group I showed significantly improved hip abductor strength (p<0.001) and KOS-ADLS, F8W, and SCT scores (p<0.05). Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that the combination of hip abductor strengthening and conventional rehabilitation is an effective exercise method to increase hip abductor muscle strength and physical function after TKR.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.48 no.6
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• pp.691-698
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• 2021

Background The reverse sural artery (RSA) flap is widely used for lower extremity reconstruction. However, patients sometimes suffer from donor site complications such as scar contracture and paresthesia, resulting in dissatisfaction with the aesthetic outcomes. This study investigated the characteristics of donor site morbidity associated with RSA flaps and described our experiences of dealing with complications by performing resurfacing surgery using thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) flaps. Methods From April 2008 to August 2018, a total of 11 patients underwent contracture release and resurfacing surgery using TDAP flaps due to donor morbidity associated with RSA flaps. All affected donor sites were covered with a skin graft, the most common of which was a meshed split-thickness skin graft (six cases). Results Eight of the 11 patients (72.7%) suffered from pain and discomfort due to scar contracture, and seven (63.6%) complained of a depression scar. The donor sites were located 6.3±4.1 cm below the knee joint, and their average size was 140.1 cm². After resurfacing using TDAP flaps, significant improvements were found in the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) scores and the active and passive ranges of motion (AROM and PROM) of the knee joint. The LEFS scores increased from 45.1 to 56.7 postoperatively (P=0.003), AROM increased from 108.2° to 118.6° (P=0.003), and PROM from 121.4° to 126.4° (P=0.021). Conclusions Planning of RSA flaps should take into account donor site morbidity. If complications occur at the donor site, resurfacing surgery using TDAP flaps achieves aesthetic and functional improvements.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.79-87
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• 2022

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on the pain and balance of patients who receive total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods: This study subjects were 24 patients in Hospital T, located in Daegu, South Korea who received TKA after being diagnosed with degenerative arthritis. The subjects were randomly divided into and experimental group and a control group, with each group including 12 patients. Both group received superfical thermal therapy, interferential current therapy (ICT), and continue passive motion (CPM), which are conventional knee therapy on the knee joint. The experimental group received the tDCS treatment three times a week for three weeks, from October 1st to October 20th. The visual analogue scale and Wii Balance Board system were used to measure the pain and balancing ability, respectively, of both groups. In the statistical result analysis, to compare about pre and post test difference in each groups was accomplished. Statistical analysis of independent t-test and paired t-test were conducted using SPSS version 23.0. Results: After three weeks of intervation, there were significantly difference in balance ability in pre and post test in the tDCS group. VAS decreased significantly in both groups(p<.05), There was a significantly difference in pain, balance ability in the tDCS group compared to the sham group. Conclusion: These results indicate that applying tDCS together with conventional knee joint therapy for TKA patients is effective in promoting the patients' recovery.

• The Journal of the Korea institute of electronic communication sciences
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.941-948
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• 2022

Disaster response robots are deployed to disaster sites where human access is difficult and dangerous. The disaster response robots explore the disaster sites prevent a structural collapse and perform lifesaving to minimize damage. It is difficult to operate robots in the disaster sites due to rough terrains where various obstacles are scattered, communication failures and invisible environments. In this paper, we developed a series connectable wheeled robot module. The series connectable wheeled robot module was developed into two types: an active driven robot module and a passive driven robot module. A wheeled robot was built by connecting the two active type robot modules and one passive type robot module. Two robot modules were connected by one DoF rotating joint, allowing the wheeled robot to avoid obstructions in a vertical direction. The wheeled robot performed driving and obstacle avoidance using only pressure sensors, which allows the wheeled robot operate in the invisible environment. An obstacle avoidance experiment was conducted to evaluate the performance of the wheeled robot consisting of two active driven wheeled robot modules and one passive driven wheeled robot module. The wheeled robot successfully avoided step-shaped obstacles with a maximum height of 80 mm in a time of 24.5 seconds using only a pressure sensors, which confirms that the wheeled robot possible to perform the driving and the obstacle avoidance in invisible environment.