• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.141-153
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• 2024

Purpose : This study aimed to determine the effects of a 12-week program of beta-glucan intake and muscle strengthening exercises on the body composition, physical fitness, blood lipids, insulin and insulin resistance of adult women. Methods : For this study, 45 adult women were selected and divided into two groups : the experimental group (n= 25), which received a combination of beta-glucan and strength exercise, and the control group (n= 20), which received only strength exercise. The program was conducted for 50 minutes three times a week for 12 weeks. Results : Several significant differences were found in both groups pre-to post program. First, in both groups, there were significant differences in hip circumferences (p<.05). Second, the results showed significant improvements in left grip strength and sit-ups achieved (p<.05), right grip strength (p<.001). Third although the results show no significant post-program differences in either group, there was a significant pre-to post-program difference in free fatty acids in both groups (p<.05). Fourth, the results show no significant differences in insulin or insulin resistance in either group, nor do they show any significant differences between the groups. Conclusion : The above results indicate that both groups exhibited decreased hip circumference and increased muscle strength (left grip strength) and muscle endurance. Furthermore, they indicate that when the beta-glucan intake and exercises were combined, the effects were more pronounced. Finally, because both groups exhibited significant increases in fat-free mass, muscle mass, skeletal muscle mass, muscle strength (right grip strength), and coordination as well as decreases in free fatty acids, it can be concluded that both the combined program of beta-glucan intake and exercise and a program of exercise alone can positively affect these outcomes.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.273-280
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• 2001

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of quadriceps setting exercise(N= 10) and electrical stimulation(N= 10) on improvement of quadriceps muscle strength. The experiment were performed for 6weeks. The subject of this study was 20 college students(male) who had not any medical problems. The quadriceps muscle strength was evaluated by make use of the KIN COM(Isokinetic dynamometer). The electrical stimulator was used to stimulate the quadriceps muscle. The results were as follows: 1. The mean increment ratio was 29.6% for concentric muscle strength and 36.4% for eccentric muscle strength after quadriceps setting exercise(p<0.05). 2. The mean increment ratio was 21.2% for concentric muscle strength and 24.3% for eccentric muscle strength after electrical stimulation, but did not significantly higher than pre-electrical stimulation In this study, we have found that quadriceps setting exercise on left side affect the improvement of the muscle strength in college students(male). However, electrical stimulation did not affect on the muscle strength.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.1-6
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• 2012

Purpose: The grip strength is influenced by various factors, such as position of the upper extremity, characteristics of the hand, and general physical condition. In this study, we investigated whether abdominal muscle activity in combination with the abdominal drawing-in maneuver has any effect on the grip strength in healthy young adults. Methods: This study included 31 healthy subjects (16 males, 15 females). We used surface electromyography and pressure bio-feedback unit for this experiment. All Subjects were placed in a cock-lying position with comfort and the grip strength was measured. On the following day, the pressure bio-feedback unit was placed beneath their fifth lumbar vertebra, and the, grip strength was measured again. This time, the measurement was taken while drawing-in their abdomen below the navel gently and gradually, while maintaining a neutral pelvic position. Results: The grip strength was significantly increased when subjects performed the drawing-in maneuver than when they were comfortable (p<0.05). In addition, activations of the rectus abdominal muscles significantly increased (p<0.05). Conclusion: In the current study, we found that abdominal muscle activity, in combination with the abdominal drawing-in maneuver, affected the grip strength, positively. Therefore, we suggest that this result should be considered when evaluating the grip strength.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.259-278
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• 1995

This study was done to investigate levels of physical fitness, self efficacy(SE), instrumental activities of daily living(IADL), and quality of life (QL), and their relationships among the elderly Data were collected from 47 noninstitutionalized elderly dwell-ing in their own homes and 43 institutionalized elderly living in homes for older people. The ages of the subjects were 65 years and over. The data were col lected from January 20th to February 20th, 1995. Physical fitness was measured with T.K. K dyna mometer, grip dynamometer, stop watch, and Purdue pegboard. Structured questionnaires developed by Kim by Lawton & Brody, and by Ro were adopted to measure SE, IADL, and QL, respectively. The data were analyzed using t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation coefficients. The results were as follows : 1. The noninstitutionalized elderly had higher scores in such measures of physical fitness as body weight, skinfold thickness, flexibility and coordination as compared to the institutionalized elderly. 2. On the following measures of physical fitness, men showed higher levels than women ; in height when standing, height when sitting, body weight, and muscle strength. Women had more trunk flexibility than men. 3. Muscle strength was positively correlated with height when standing, height when sitting, and body weight. The following measures of physical fitness, muscle strength, flexibility and coordi nation, were negatively correlated with "up and go”. 4. The noninstitutionalized elderly had higher scores in SE(t=2.28, p<0.05), IADL(t=2.24, p<0.05), and QL(t=2.41, p<0.05) as compared to the institutionalized elderly. 5. SE was positively correlated with both IADL(r=0.41, p<0.001) and QL(r=0.54, p<0.001), and the latter two variables were a positively correlated (r=0.30, p<0.001). 6. SE was positively correlated with the physical fitness measures of height when standing, body weight, strength of leg muscles, strength of back muscles, grip strength, and level of touching the floor, but negatively correlated with "up and go”. 7. Positive correlations were revealed between IADL and the physical fitness measures of height, strength of leg muscles, level of trunk muscle extension, level of touching the floor, and coordination. The IADL was negatively correlated with “up and go”. 8. QL was positively correlated with body weight (r=0.28, p<0.01) and skinfold thickness (r=0.26, p<0.05). 9. Age was negatively correlated with the physical fitness measures of height when standing, height when sitting, “up and go”, strength of leg muscles, strength of back muscles, grip strength, level of trunk muscle extension, and coordination. 10. Age was also negatively correlated with SE (r=-0.24, p<0.05) and IADL(r=-0.22, p<0.05). The above results suggest that caring elderly in their own homes were more effective and that nursing interventions to enhance physical fitness, SE, IADL, and QL especially for the institutionalized elderly are stressed.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.9-19
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• 2010

Purpose : To identify whether isometric shoulder horizontal extension (ISHE) exercise could sufficiently activate the lumbar multifidus muscle, and to determine appropriate exercise intensity to increase muscle strength. Methods : Twenty healthy volunteers (10 males and 10 females) participated in this study. ISHE exercises on the dominant side were performed with $90^{\circ}$ shoulder abduction held in $90^{\circ}$ elbow flexion so that their arms were in the horizontal plane. Electromyographic (EMG) measurements of multifidus activation were performed in standing and supine positions, and were taken under four strength conditions: 75%, 50% and 25% of maximum shoulder horizontal extension strength, and maximum strength. Results : The EMG activations of both lumbar multifidus increased significantly with ISHE exercises of larger % strength (p<.05). In their multifidus EMG data measured in standing and supine positions, men differed significantly in their 75%, 50% and 25% strength for both sides (p<.05), and women differed significantly in their 75%, 50% and 25% strength on their 5th lumbar vertebrae's left side, but 75% only for their 5th lumbar vertebrae's right side (p<.05). The EMG data of 5th lumbar vertebrae's left and 5th lumbar vertebrae's right sides appeared to differ significantly at all strength levels for men while standing, but only at the 25% level for women in the supine position (p<.05). These findings indicate that ISHE exercises can be considered a beneficial method to enhance the multifidus strength. Conclusion : This study provides useful information for further study in this field.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.34-42
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• 2011

The lumbrical muscles contribute to the intrinsic plus position, that is simultaneous metacarpophalangeal (MCP) flexion and interphalangeal (IP) extension. The strength of the lumbrical muscles is necessary for normal hand function. However, there is no objective and efficient method of strength measurement for the lumbrical muscles. In addition, previous studies have not investigated the measurement of the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the lumbrical muscles using ultrasonography (US) and the relationship between lumbrical muscle strength in the intrinsic plus position and the CSA. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify the measurement method of the CSA of the lumbrical muscles using US and to examine the relationship between maximal isometric strength and the CSA of lumbrical muscles. Nine healthy males participated in this study. Maximal isometric strength of the second, third, and fourth lumbrical muscles was assessed using a tensiometer in the intrinsic plus position which isolated MCP flexion and IP extension. The CSA of the lumbrical muscles was measured with an US. The US probe was applied on the palmar aspect of the metacarpal head with a transverse view of the hand in resting position. There was no significant difference between maximal isometric strength of the lumbrical muscles, but the fourth lumbrical muscle was stronger than the others. The CSA of the lumbrical muscles was significantly different and the fourth lumbrical muscle was significantly larger than the second lumbrical muscle. There was moderate to good correlation between maximal isometric strength and the CSA of the lumbrical muscles. Therefore, we conclude that maximal isometric strength of the lumbrical muscles was positively correlated to the CSA of the lumbrical muscle in each finger, while the measurement of the CSA of the lumbrical muscles, using US protocol in this study, was useful for measuring the CSA of the lumbrical muscles.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.585-589
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• 2015

Physical inactivity may an important outcome in the prognosis of breast cancer. Physical activity levels decrease significantly for breast cancer patients following the treatment and remain low after oncology treatment is completed. The aim of this study was to determine physical activity levels and to examine associations among physical activity, comorbidity, functional capacity, peripheral muscle strength, and psychosocial status in breast cancer patients. Forty breast cancer survivors were included in this study. Demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded. Physical activity was assessed with a short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). We defined comorbid diseases according to the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Functional capacity was evaluated with a six-minute walk test (6MWT). Peripheral muscle strength was measured for quadriceps femoris muscle with a hand-held dynamometer. Psychosocial status was measured with the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS). Forty percent of patients were inactive. The IPAQ total score was significantly related with quadriceps muscle strength (r=0.492; p<0.001) and HADS depression score (r=0.341; p<0.05). Marked correlations were also observed between IPAQ walking score and quadriceps muscle strength (r=0.449; p<0.001), HADS depression score (r=0.341; p<0.05), and CCI (r=-0.433; p<0.001). The CCI score was also markedly associated with quadriceps muscle strength (r=-0.413; p<0.001). 6MWT distance was not significantly correlated with any of the parameters. Regression analyses revealed that psychosocial status and peripheral muscle strength were significant predictors of physical activity estimated with the IPAQ short form and when combined, they explained 35% of the variance. Comorbidities, peripheral muscle strength and psychosocial status partially explain the variability of physical activity level in breast cancer survivors. These results suggest that physical inactivity contributes to worsening health in breast cancer survivors.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.35-42
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• 2009

Background: The purpose of this study is to measure the amount of influence of taping and a whole body balance upon muscle strength, endurance, and flexibility. Experiments were conducted by two different groups, specially designed for this study. The choice of exercise methods for each group depends on its own idiosyncratic characteristics (or Each group employs its own idiosyncratic exercise method). Methods: The first group, with taping applied, undertook exercises three times a week; second group just took exercises three times a week. These experiments show the following outcomes. Results: The first group showed a considerable amount of difference in terms of muscle strength, endurance, and flexibility. Second group also showed similar outcome. Both the first group and the second group revealed a considerable difference. But the first group showed a bigger difference than the second group. Conclusion: Thus, the result of these experiments strongly indicates that exercise, with taping applied, turns out the most effective in promoting muscle strength, endurance, and flexibility.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.61-67
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• 2013

Purpose : The purpose of this paper is to figure out the effects of the Powerball exercise on grip strength, tip pinch and key pinch. Methods : Twenty subjects participated in this experiment. Spin right wrist counterclockwise for five minutes holding Powerball after making main joint of right hand -predominant hand- into elbow flexion and forearm pronation. Results : 1. Before and after Powerball exercise, when we compared the grip strength of men and women, there was a significant difference. 2. Before and after Powerball exercise, when we compared tip pinch of men and women, there was a significant difference. 3. Before and after Powerball exercise, when we compared key pinch of men and women, there was a significant difference. 4. Before and after Powerball exercise, there was no significant difference between men and women. Conclusion : From what using Powerball exercise influenced grip strength, tip pinch and key pinch positively, we assume that it will be considered a great expectation to improve grip strength, tip pinch and key pinch in the future and it would be better to conduct this experiment in depth to a lot of people.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.11-20
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• 2022

PURPOSE: This study investigated the immediate effects of gluteus medius strengthening training and relaxation therapy on the static balance, muscle strength asymmetry, and proprioception. METHODS: In this research, 38 healthy adults were assigned randomly to strengthening groups (SG) and relaxation groups (RG). The static balance, muscle strength asymmetry, and proprioception were measured as a pre-measurement. The same measurements were performed after the intervention and follow-up. An independent sample t-test was used to compare each group, and one-way repeated ANOVA was used to compare the changes within the group. RESULTS: In the static balance, the comparison between groups SG was more significant than RG, and only SG showed significant differences in the intra-group comparisons. There was no significant difference in muscle strength asymmetry between SG and RG. On the other hand, the comparison within the group revealed only SG to be significant. In proprioception, SG produced more significant results than RG, and only SG had significant values in the within-group comparison. CONCLUSION: Strengthening training affects the changes in static balance, muscle strength asymmetry, and proprioception.