• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.321-335
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• 2020

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of neck traction and foot type on plantar pressure distribution during walking. Method: Total of 24 data were collected from women working with a computer for more than 6 hours every day. Three groups by foot type were divided: Pes Planus, normal foot, and Pes Cavus. Depending on the foot type and cervical traction, plantar pressure variables were measured; CA, MF, PP, and CT. Each variable was divided into 12 masks. MANOVA was performed for the difference of plantar pressure variables by foot type, and a paired t-test was performed for the cervical traction within groups. Results: The total CA decreased in the Pes Planus (p<.001) and Pes Cavus (p<.05) groups. MF increased in the big toe (p<.01) and 2nd toe (p<.05) of the normal foot, and MF-3rd metatarsal decreased (p<.01). The MF-2nd toe (p<.01) and 3rd toe (p<.05) of Pes Cavus decreased. The PP decreased in 2nd toe (p<.05), 3rd toe (p<.01), and 4th toe (p<.05) of the Pes Cavus. In normal foot, the PP-3rd metatarsal (p<.05) and PP-4th metatarsal (p<.01) reduced. In Pes Planus, PP decreased in the hindfoot (p<.05). In Pes Cavus group wearing a neck-tractor, the CT-hindfoot increased (p<.05). Conclusion: There was a significant change in the plantar pressure change by foot type after neck traction. When walking with a neck-tractor, the heel impact was alleviated in the Pes Planus, and the Pes Cavus showed the smooth and effective propulsion in the push-off. Overall, weight acceptance was effectively performed when walking with neck-traction. It was also found that the neck-tractor corrects the alignment of the neck, thereby creating a more stable gait pattern.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.17-24
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• 2012

This study is for providing fundamental data of sport biomechanics in GRF & plantar pressure of stepping foot of skilled & unskilled players' at the soccer instep shooting moments. Wearing Pedar-x of Novel, the study has drawn the following conclusion after measuring and analyzing the impact on the GRF and plantar pressure of stepping foot at the instep shooting moments. First, maximum vertical GRF showed higher in the skilled group than in the unskilled group. The results showed significantly different. This study reached the conclusion that the players in the skilled group performed faster and stronger stepping foot motions that the ones in the unskilled(p<.01). Second, since the plantar pressure of the skilled group appeared significantly higher than that of the unskilled, it has brought us to the conclusion that the skilled group performed faster and stronger stepping foot motions than the unskilled group (p<.05). Third, at the moment of instep kicking, the skilled group's average maximum plantar foot pressure of stepping foot was higher than the unskilled. Though the difference was not statistically significant, it can be concluded that the skilled group performed faster and stronger stepping foot motions than the unskilled group(p>.05). Fourth, for the COP moving route of stepping foot while instep kicking, the skilled people performed accurate and strong shooting motions directly toward the target direction with stable postures, no matter how it's left, right, front or back.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.49-54
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• 2013

Background: The purposed of this study is to examine the static and dynamic plantar foot pressure in chronic low back pain patients and normal adults. Methods: The subjects were divided into a group of 30 patients with chronic low back pain and a control group of 30 healthy persons. While static posture and dynamic posture at comfortable walking speeds, the low back pain group and the control group measured their plantar foot pressure and the trajectory of their center of pressure (COP) using the Matscan(R) system. Independent t-tests were measured to compare differences in plantar foot pressure characteristics between the left side and right side of the low back pain group and the control group. Results: In the comparison of differences in plantar foot pressure characteristics between the left side and right side of the low back pain group and the control group, the anteroposterior (AP) displacement of COP showed significant differences (p<.05). Although the low back pain group and the control group did not show any significant differences in leg length, weight distribution, mediolateral (ML) displacement of COP, static contract area, dynamic contract areas (p>.05), increases in the contract area values were shown in the hind foot in general. Conclusion: In this study, it was shown that patients with chronic low back pain were walking with short AP displacement of the COP as a compensatory action to avoid pain.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.613-619
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• 2013

This study compares the gait characteristics of elderly women during barefoot walking and walking with sneakers. We measured foot angles, max foot pressure, peak plantar pressure of each plantar region, velocity of Center of Pressure(COP), and axis shifting of COP with an RS-scan system. Elderly women's foot angles were narrower when walking with sneakers than when barefoot walking. We found that the subtalar joint angle (representing ankle joint flexibility) affected walking stability. Regarding the peak plantar pressure of each foot region, pressures were high in the medial regions and the pressures greatly varied depending on the region measured during barefoot walking. The COP moved significantly faster when walking with sneakers than barefoot walking and suggests that elderly women walked faster in sneakers. Axis shifting of the COP decreased during walking with sneakers and indicated that gait balance improved when walking with sneakers. The findings of the present study can be utilized as foundational data for elderly women's gait characteristics as well as data for the production of functional footwear. Future research that focuses on various types of shoes, age groups, and gender are recommended for the development of more functional footwear for stable gaits.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.113-122
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• 2015

Objective : The purpose of this study was to analyze the foot-pressure distribution of 2D(2 dimensional form) & 3D(3 dimensional form; a customized arch-fit for posture correction) insoles for assessing their biomechanical functionality. Background : Recently there has been increased interest in both foot health and foot pain patients. Analysis of the plantar pressure was often used to solve the problems of the foot displayed by such people as rheumatoid arthritis patients. Method : Subjects who participated in this study were 17 female university students who had no previous injury experience in lower limbs and a normal gait pattern. The shoe size of all subjects was 240 mm. Two models of insoles of 2D(typical flat insole - 2 dimensional form) and 3D(special production - 3 dimensional form) were selected for the test. Using the Pedar-X system and Pedar-X insoles, 4.0 km/h of walking speed, and a compilation of 50 steps walking stages were used to analyze foot-pressure distribution. Results : Results of the foot-pressure distribution and biomechanical functionality on each insole were as follows; analyses of mean plantar pressure, maximum plantar pressure, maximum vertical GRF, and plantar pressure curve shape all showed overall low plantar pressure and GRF. Conclusion : This can be evaluated as an excellent insole for low levels on the plantar pressure and GRF. Therefore, it is possible to conclude that according to this analysis the 3D Customized Arch-fit Insole was better than 2D insole on the basis of these criteria.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.434-438
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• 2015

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of calcaneal taping on peak plantar pressure of rearfoot and forefoot while walking. Methods: Fifteen healthy subjects with normal feet participated in this study. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) no disturbance of gait and foot pain, (2) normal range of motion of ankle joint, (3) no foot deformity. Pedoscan was used for recording of plantar pressure data during walking. The participants walked along a 12-m walkway before and after application of calcaneal taping. The plantar pressure gait was measured 3 times under barefoot and calcaneal taping conditions randomly at a speed practiced with the metronome during gait. The peak plantar pressure data were calculated for medial and lateral areas of the rearfoot and forefoot. The paired t-test was used to determine significant differences in peak plantar pressure of rearfoot and forefoot before and after application of calcaneal taping. A p-value less than 0.05 was accepted as significant. Results: The calcaneal taping resulted in statistically significant decreases in peak plantar pressure of the rearfoot (medial side: p=0.03; lateral side: p=0.01). However, there were no significant changes in peak plantar pressure of the forefoot (medial side: p=0.45; lateral side: p=0.40). Conclusion: The calcaneal taping is recommended to reduce plantar pressure of the rearfoot in weight-bearing activities in subjects with plantar heel pain caused by atrophy of the fat pad.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.19 no.5
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• pp.602-607
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• 2017

This study was undertaken to compare the gait characteristics between the Korean elderly and young adults, we measured the plantar pressure and contact time of gait with barefoot along a walkway at their preferred walking speed. The results indicate that older people exhibited significantly less plantar pressure than young adult in all 3 regions (FF, MF and RF) and significantly less time % on the initial contact phase (ICP), forefoot push-off phase (FFPOP) and significantly more % forefoot contact phase (FFCP) and foot flat phase (FFP). The converted plantar pressure value to percentage, it showed more pressure in forefoot (FF) in the elderly person than the young adults. It could be explained that the forward shifting in plantar pressure are associated with a more flexed posture of elderly such as actual stabilizing fearrelated adaptations. Longer total foot contact time in the elderly means that the old people show the decreased gait velocity. In other words, lower velocity was found to be associated with pre-existing fear of falling. With longer contact time and slower stepping movement, the elderly become more unstable. With these findings, it could be confirmed that there were significant changes in foot characteristics which contribute to alter the plantar pressure and contact time during gait with advancing age. Further research is required to establish possible links to risk of falling and development of footwear in the elderly adults.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.4 no.3
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• pp.165-174
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• 2009

Purpose：This study was performed for effects of gait training on treadmill and stable surface which influenced on the lower limbs muscular activity needed in gait, plantar foot pressure with hemiplegic patients caused by cerebrovascular accident. Methods：Two groups of adult hemiplegia(n=20) were allocated randomly in this study: treadmill gait training group and control group. The gait training program was provided to experimental groups for 8 weeks (5 times a week). Measurements of pre and post experiment were plantar foot pressure. For measuring muscular activation rectus femoris, biceps femoris, tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius were detected. Results：The results of this study showed that in comparison of pre and post changes of gait training, the treadmill gait training group has noticeable changes than other groups in activity of rectus femoris and tibialis anterior, the control group revealed statistically significant differences in plantar foot pressure Toe2-5, M1, M3, M5, MF area, activity of gastrocnemius. Conclusion：These results mean gait training resulted by treadmill, stable surface provides effective muscle activation and plantar foot pressure with stroke.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.59-66
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• 2017

Objective: This study investigated the effect of a 16-week upright body exercise program on body balance and plantar pressure balance in elderly women. Method: The subjects included elderly women in B Metropolitan city who participated in an upright body exercise program twice weekly for 16 weeks. The subjects' physical characteristics (height, weight, body mass index [BMI]), posture balance, and foot plantar pressure were measured before and after the experiment. Results: The upright body exercise program showed positive changes in posture balance and foot plantar pressure balance in seven elderly women. Conclusion: The second version of the upright body exercise program improved and may prevent postural imbalance in elderly women. This program could be utilized to improve posture and foot balance in elderly persons.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.475-482
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• 2015

Objective : The purpose of this study was to investigate mean plantar foot pressure, maximum plantar pressure and ground reaction force, and center migration path of pressure according to the type of trekking shoes for the development of shoes. Method : Subjects of the study averaged $22.10{\pm}2.05years$ of age. Their average height was $169.27{\pm}7.62cm$ and their average weight was $64.34{\pm}10.22kg$. The method of this study was administered measuring 50 steps, at once, 3 times at a speed of 4 km/h and using the data of 30 steps. Pedar-X system measured the mean foot pressure, maximum foot pressure, mean maximum force, and center migration path of pressure by subjects' position while walking. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS 23.0 using a paired t-test. Results : Results of the study showed Nestfit trekking shoes lower foot pressure of both feet in mean foot pressure and maximum foot pressure. Nestfit trekking shoes showed high ground reaction force (p<.001) in the midfoot, and low mean ground reaction force in the rearfoot. The center migration path of pressure showed the Nestfit trekking shoes were more stable than flat insole trekking shoes. Conclusion : It can be concluded that wearing Nestfit trekking shoes spreads pressure efficiently and induces walking stability because Nestfit trekking shoes spread the pressure of the forefoot and rearfoot to the midfoot and the center migration path of pressure shows regularly.