• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.11-21
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• 2002

The purpose of this study was to find the effect of rear foot wedge angle on peak plantar pressures on the forefoot during walking. Twenty normal healthy subjects (10 female, 10 male) were recruited. Peak plantar pressure was measured using pressure distribution platforms (MatScan system) in medial forefoot (under the first, second metatarsal head) and lateral forefoot (under the third, fourth, fifth metatarsal head). The subjects walked at the comfortable velocity under seven conditions; bare footed, $5^{\circ}$, $10^{\circ}$ and $15^{\circ}$ wedges under the medial and lateral sides of the hindfoot. The three averaged peak plantar pressures were collected at each condition at stance and toe off phases. The results showed that a significant increase in lateral forefoot plantar peak pressure investigated in the medial wedge and a significant decrease in lateral forefoot plantar peak pressure investigated in lateral wedge at stance phase (p<.05). These results suggest that rear foot wedge may be useful to modify the peak plantar pressure on the forefoot.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.95-102
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• 2013

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to investigate a plantar pressure distribution and the trajectory of the center of pressure on double limb support and single limb support according to level surface, air cushion, and aero step. Methods : 21 healthy adults participated in this study. The plantar pressure were assessed at three different surface conditions(on the level surface, air cushion, and aero step) on double limb support and single limb support. Testing orders were selected randomly. Results : Plantar pressure distribution show a significant difference contact area 1 and contact area 3 on double limb support and single limb support. The trajectory of the center of pressure show an significant difference anteroposterior(AP), mediolateral(ML), and total displacement on double limb support and single limb support. Conclusion : Through the use of soft surface as air cushion and aero step will be using the ankle strategy. This will be to strengthen the muscles around the ankle. Consequently, should help to improve stability and coordination.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.162-167
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• 2021

Purpose: A hyperextended knee is described as knee pain associated with an impaired knee extensor mechanism. Additionally, a hyperextended knee may involve reduced position sense of the knee joint that decreases the individual's ability to control end-range knee extension movement. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of visual biofeedback information for plantar pressure distribution on knee joint angle and lower extremity muscle activities in participants with hyperextended knees. Methods: Twenty-three participants with hyperextended knees were recruited for the study. Surface electromyography signals were recorded for the biceps femoris, rectus femoris, gastrocnemius, and tibialis anterior muscle activities. The plantar pressure distribution was displayed and measured using a pressure distribution measuring plate. Knee joint angle kinematic parameters were recorded using a motion analysis system. The visual biofeedback condition was the point at which the difference between the forefoot and backfoot plantar foot pressure on the monitor was minimized. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to determine the significance between the visual biofeedback condition and the preferred condition. Results: The knee joint angle was significantly decreased in the visual biofeedback condition compared to that in the preferred condition (p<0.05). The rectus femoris and gastrocnemius muscle activities were significantly different between the visual biofeedback and preferred conditions (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that visual biofeedback of information about plantar pressure distribution is effective for correcting hyperextended knees.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.83-98
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• 2004

The purpose of this study was to investigate the test-retest of plantar pressures using the F-Scan system over speeds and plantar regions. 6 healthy female subjects in 20's were recruited for the study. Plantar pressure measurements during locomotor activities can provide information concerning foot function, particularly if the timing and magnitude of the loading profile can be related to the location of specific foot structures such as the metatarsal heads. The Tekscan F-Scan system consists of a flexible, 0.18mm thick sole-shape having 1260 pressure sensors, the sensor insole was trimmed to fit the subjects' right. left shoes - sneakers shoes & dress shoes. It was calibrated by the known weight of the test subject standing on one foot. The Tekscan measurements show the insole pressure distribution as a function of the time. This finding has important implications for the development of plantar pressure test protocols where the function of the forefoot is important. According to the result of analysis it is as follows 1) Center of force trajectory in women's dress shoes display direct movement, compare with center of force trajectory in Sneaker shoes displays a little bit curved slow pronation movement. Sneaker shoes in forefoot part display very quick supination movement, therefore, this shoes effects negative effectiveness for ankle's stability Considering center of force trajectory analyzing the more center of force close straight line, the more movement can be quick movement for locomotion. For foot pressure distribution, center of force trajectory in locomotion is better to curved trajectory with pronation movement. So sneaker shoes style is good shoes considering center of pressure distribution trajectory compare with women's dress shoes. 2) Women's dress shoes increased peak pressure in medial, this is effected by high hill's height. The more increased women's dress shoes's height, the more women's peak pressure will increase, pronation can increase compare with before. Supination movement increase, this focused pressure in lateral, also, supination increased more. If the supination movement increased, foot pressure focused in lateral, therefore, it is appeared force distribution in gait direction. This is bad movement in foot's stability. 3) Women's dress shoes in landing phase displayed a long time, this is when women's dress shoes wear, gait movement is unbalance, so, landing phase displayed a long time. For compensation in gait, swing phase quick movement. 4) Women's dress shoes displayed peak pressure distribution in lateral of rearfoot part, Sneakers shoes displayed peak pressure distribution in medial of forefoot part. Its results has good impact absorption compare with women's dress shoes. In forefoot part, sneakers shoes has good propulsive force compare with women's dress shoes.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.285-292
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• 2016

Objective: This study collected data on muscle fatigue and ground reaction force during walking to provide a basis for development of custom-fitted outdoor walking shoes. The study analyzed an upright body exercise program using spine stabilization technique to determine the effect on foot plantar pressure in archers, demonstrate the effectiveness of upright body exercise, and develop a new, effective, and efficient training program. Method: A 12-week upright body exercise program was evaluated for the effect on plantar pressure in archers. Ten prize-winning archers (3 men, 7 women) in B metropolitan city, each with ${\geq}10years$ of experience, were given an explanation of the content and purpose of the program, and provided informed consent. Upright body exercise was performed 3 times a week for 12 weeks. A resistive pressure sensor was used to measure foot plantar pressure distribution and analyze quantitative information on variation in postural stability and weight shifting in dynamic balance during shooting, as well as plantar pressure in static balance with the eyes open and closed. Results: There were no significant differences in foot plantar pressure before and after participation in the exercise program. There was no statistically significant difference in foot plantar pressure in static balance with the eyes open or closed, or in foot plantar pressure in dynamic balance during shooting. Conclusion: An upright body exercise program had positive effects on foot plantar pressure in static and dynamic balance in archers by reducing body sway and physical imbalance during shooting and with eyes closed. This program is expected to help archers improve their posture and psychological state, and thereby improve performance.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.99-118
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• 2004

The aim of this study is to evaluate tennis shoes's plantar pressure distribution in tennis prayers and to determine the influence of the shoe on various tennis movements. When investigating the biomechanics of movement in tennis, one of the first things to do is to understand the movement patterns of the sport, specifically how these patterns relate to different tennis shoes. Once these patterns are understood, footwear company can design tennis shoes that match the individual needs of tennis players. Plantar pressure measurement is widely employed to study foot function, the mechanical pathogenesis for foot disease and as a diagnostic and outcome measurement tool for many performance. Measurements were taken of plantar pressure distribution across the foot and using F-Scan(Tekscan Inc.) systems respectively. The F-Scan system for dynamic in-shoe foot pressure measurements has enabled us to assess quantitatively the efficacy of different types of footwear in reducing foot pressures. The Tekscan F-Scan system consists of a flexible, 0.18mm thick sole-shape having 1260 pressure sensors, the sensor insole was trimmed to fit the subjects' right, left shoes. For this study 4 university male, high level tennis players were instructed to hit alternated forehand stroke, backhand stroke, forehand volley, backhand volley, smash, service movement in 4 different tennis shoes. 1. When impact in tennis movement, peak pressure distribution of landing foot displayed D>C>B>A, A displayed the best low pressure distribution. A style's tennis shoes will suggest prayer with high impact. If prayer with high impact feeling during pray in tennis wear A style, it will decrease injury, will have performance improvement. 2. When impact in tennis movement, plantar pattern of pressure distribution in landing foot displayed B>A>C>D in stability performance. During tennis, prayer want to stability movement suggest B style tennis shoes when tennis movement impact keep stability of human body. B style tennis shoes give performance improvement 3. When impact in tennis movement, plantar pattern of center of force(C.O.F.)trajectory in landing foot analyzed this : 1) When stroke movement and volley movement in tennis, prayer better to rearfoot movement. 2) when service movement, prayer midfoot strike movement. 3) when smash movement, prayer have forefoot strike movement.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.29-37
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• 2004

Measurements of plantar pressure provide an indication of foot and ankle function during gait and other functional activities because the foot and ankle provide necessary support and flexibility for weight bearing and weight shifting while people are performing these activities. Plantar pressure is being increasingly used in both research and clinical practice to measure the effects of various footwear and physical therapy intervention. The influence of walking speed and ground inclination on plantar pressure parameters However has not been evaluated in detail. So, in this study to determine the effect of changes in walking speed and ground inclination on plantar pressure treadmills with different walking speeds and inclination were used. Plantar pressure parameters were measured with the Parotec system using the walking and running in 20 healthy participants(10 male, 10 female) aged $20{\sim}28$(mean 22.22, S.D.2.26 years) when slow walking and running. The result of this study with increased die walking speed, the peak pressure of 1st, 5th metatarsal head and total contact time and impulse total at the forefoot was affected by walking speed; however, die peak pressure, contact time and impulse total at the forefoot was not affected by ground inclination.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.45-54
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• 2018

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of foot strengthening exercise program and functional insoles on joint angle and plantar pressure in elderly women. Thirteen elderly women who were enrolled in a university senior citizens academy of a metropolitan city in 2017 were divided into two groups: exercise group with functional insole (n=7) and exercise group without functional insole (n=6). Method: Three-dimensional motion analysis and Pedar-X were performed to compute the joint angle and the foot plantar pressure, respectively. Two-way repeated measure ANOVA was conducted to compare dependent variables within and between groups. The significance level was set at ${\alpha}=.05$. Results: The range of motion (ROM) of the ankle, knee, and hip joints in the exercise group with functional insole increased significantly more than the exercise group without functional insole. In both the experimental group and the comparison group, the maximum foot plantar pressure and the mean foot plantar pressure were decreased, but the comparison group without functional insole showed more decrease. Since the experimental group demonstrated greater pressure than the comparison group in the contact area (forefoot, midfoot), it was distributed over a greater area. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that participation in foot strengthening exercises and using a functional insole has more positive effects than foot strengthening exercises alone on the joint angle and plantar pressure in elderly women. Increased foot plantar pressure led to an increased contact area (forefoot, midfoot) for distribution of the foot plantar pressure, but the effect of reducing the maximum and average plantar pressures was incomplete. However, wearing functional insoles along with exercise, could help in improving the stability of the joints, by increasing the range of motion, and could help the elderly in movement of the muscles more effectively, leading to an improvement in gait function.

• 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.17 no.3
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• pp.173-180
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• 2007

The purpose of study was to compare plantar pressure during walking wearing the curved rear balance and normal shoes. Twelve university students(height: $177.2{\pm}4.6cm$, weight: $68.4{\pm}5.8kg$, age: $26.2{\pm}1.6yrs.$) who have no known musculoskeletal disorders were recruited as the subjects. Plantar foot pressures were evaluated using the Tekscan's pressure measurement systems while subjects walked upright position wearing the curved rear balance and normal shoes in random order at a speed of 1.3 m/s. The contacting dimension, the mean plantar pressure, and the peak plantar pressure were determined for each trial. For each dependent variable, paired t-test was performed to test if significant difference existed between shoe conditions (p<.05). As a result, the curved rear balanced shoes showed as large as 38 up to 50 % of area at the rear side of feet than the normal shoes when measuring the contact area with upright position. In the distribution of average pressure, the curved rear balanced shoes displayed fairly low pressure compared to other normal shoes in general except for one area, which is M2, and especially, the measured pressures at the both rear (M1) and middle (M5) side of feet were low and statically significant. The contact area of the curved rear balanced shoes when walking was significantly larger at the rear (M1) and fore (M6, M7) side of feet. When considering pressure distribution at walking, low pressure was detected at the rear side of feet with the curved rear balanced shoes and at the fore side of feet for other normal shoes. The results showed that the contacting dimension of the curved rear balance shoes that acts between shoes and feet was higher than the corresponding value for the normal shoes in general; therefore it would reduce the pressure to the feet by allowing the each sole of the foot on the ground evenly.