• Journal of Institute of Control, Robotics and Systems
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• v.16 no.10
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• pp.927-932
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• 2010

Estimation methods of motion intention from bio-signal present challenges in man machine interaction(MMI) to offer user's command to machine without control of any devices. Measurements of meaningful bio-signals that contain the motion intention and motion estimation methods from bio-signal are important issues for accurate and safe interaction. This paper proposes a novel motion estimation sensor based on a geometrical muscle changes, and a motion estimation method using the sensor. For estimation of the motion, we measure the circumference change of the muscle which is proportional to muscle activation level using a flexible piezoelectric cable (pMAS, piezo muscle activation sensor), designed in band type. The pMAS measures variations of the cable band that originate from circumference changes of muscle bundles. Moreover, we estimate the elbow motion by applying the sensor to upper limb with least square method. The proposed sensor and prediction method are simple to use so that they can be used to motion prediction device and methods in rehabilitation and sports fields.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.23-35
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• 2015

PURPOSE: People with physical disabilities such as cerebral palsy usually experience obstacles when interacting with computer through conventional keyboard because of their motor disabilities. The purpose of this study is empirically compare of text entry(alphabet and word) speed and accuracy using the three different keyboard type on four students(male 2 and female 2) with cerebral palsy. METHODS: This research design used a replicated single-case experimental approach to compare the individual performance. An alternating treatments design was used to examine the effectiveness of standard QWERTY keyboard and alternative keyboard(mini and big keyboard) on computer access for students with cerebral palsy. To avoid changes in posture that influence a keyboard character entry training and evaluation was carried out using his sitting in a wheelchair. Compass software program used in this study as an assessment tool to measure speed and accuracy when performance of text entry(alphabet and word). This was repeated until the stable status of reaction time. RESULTS: As a result, the alternative keyboard seems to be the most effective device for students with cerebral palsy to perform text entry. But various factors such as peculiarity of motor disabilities, experience and preferences of the user are heavily related. CONCLUSION: Thus, we must perform the objective and systematic assessment for computer access and if sustained training is accomplished, it could to improve speed and accuracy of text entry(alphabet and word).

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.37-42
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• 2011

Purpose: The principal objective of this study was to evaluate the power output of ultrasound in Korean clinics and compare the value with Korean and global standards. Methods: A total of 69 units were measured for ultrasound power output. The normal range of power output level was ${\pm}30%$ of the output set according to KFDA standards. Device model, manufacturer, ERA, and BNR were obtained via simple questionnaires. A portable ultrasound power meter was used for output measurement. Results: 37 machines, with reported ERA values, were assessed for power output per unit area. Of these machines, 13 (37.14%) were considered to be compliant with US FDA standards at 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, $20W/cm^2$ and 18 (51.43%) were considered within KFDA standards. The remainder of the machines were outside the standard error and evidenced irregular output levels, even though most of them were the same model. Conclusion: Appropriate ultrasound intensity is incredibly important for safety and effective use. Therefore, the KFDA standards regarding ultrasound may require revision in light of global standards, including BNR and ERA additionally, attention should be paid to regular calibration for safe use in clinical practice.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.11-18
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• 2020

Background: As technology has progressed, various robot-assisted devices have been developed to reduce therapists' labor and assist in therapy. However, due to their many limitations, it is more practical to use traditional mechanical devices. The grahamizer is one such traditional mechanical device used clinically to rehabilitate the upper extremities. No study has yet established the efficacy of the grahamizer in individuals with stroke. Objects: This study investigated the immediate change in arm reaching after the use of a grahamizer. Methods: Twenty-two stroke survivors participated in this study (11 males and 11 females). The reaching of the more-affected arm was measured three times using the three-dimentional electromagnetic motion tracking system "trakSTAR". After the first measurement, the subjects performed 500 rotatory arm exercises using the grahamizer. To assess the grahamizer's effect, the subjects were remeasured in the same way. Results: There were significant increases in the reaching distance (p < 0.05) and movement smoothness (p < 0.05) of the more-affected arm after using the grahamizer. Conclusion: Our study confirms that using the grahamizer is beneficial in the rehabilitation for improving movement of the more-affected arm in stroke survivors.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.205-210
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• 1997

This is to investigate the physical properties of the commercially available Soft, Thomas, Minerva, and Philadelphia cervical braces which are widely used in orthopedics, neurosurgery, and rehabilitation medicine clinics as assisting devices for physical stabilization of cervical vertebrates, to use as a basic data for designing new type brace. Tensile strengths were observed by universal mechanical measuring device and Thomas brace required the highest stress to break by tensile stress. Durabilities against continuous frictional forces were also determined, and Minerva brace demonstrated the longest frictional time until being perforated. According to these results, poly ethlene is recommendable as a frame and preparation of pores in the material is favorable to provide ventilation to skin.

• Journal of Sensor Science and Technology
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.20-26
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• 2004

For the disabled persons who can't use their limbs, motorized wheelchair that is activated by voice recognition module employing speaker independent method, was implemented. The wireless voice transfer device was designed and employed for the user convenience. And the wheelchair was designed to operate using voice and keypad by selection of the user because they can manipulate it using keypad if necessary. The speaker independent method was used as the voice recognition module in order that anyone can manipulate the wheelchair in case of assistance. Using the implemented wheelchair, performance and motion of the system was examined and it has over than 97% of voice recognition rate and proper movements.

• Journal of Sensor Science and Technology
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• v.19 no.5
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• pp.349-355
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• 2010

Stroke patients, etc. can't use their hands because of the paralysis of their fingers, and their fingers could be recovered by rehabilitating training. In order to judge the rehabilitating extent of their fingers, the patients should grasp a cylindrical object in hospital. At present, the used object in hospital is only a cylindrical object, and can't measure the force of fingers. Therefore, doctors judge the rehabilitating extent by touching and watching at their fingers. So, the four-finger force measuring system which can measure the force of their fingers should be developed. In this paper, four-finger force measuring system with four force sensors which can measure the grasping force is developed. The force sensors are designed and fabricated, and the force measuring device is designed and manufactured by using DSP(digital signal processing). Also, the grasping force test of men is performed by using the developed four-finger force measuring system. It was confirmed that the finger average force of right hand is about 214.6 N and that of left hand is about 212.8 N.

• Journal of Sensor Science and Technology
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.238-245
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• 2010

Stroke patients can't use their hands because of the paralysis of their fingers. Their fingers are recovered by rehabilitating training, and the rehabilitating extent can be judged by grasping a spherical object. At present, the object used in hospital is only a spherical object, and can't measure the force of fingers. Therefore, doctors judge the rehabilitating extent by touching and watching at their fingers. So, the spherical object measuring system which can measure the force of their fingers should be developed. In this paper, the finger-force measuring system with a three-axis force sensor which can measure the spherical-object grasping force is developed. The three-axis force sensor is designed and fabricated, and the force measuring device is designed and manufactured using DSP(digital signal processing). Also, the grasping force test of men is performed using the developed finger-force measuring system, it was confirmed that the average force of men was about 120 N.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.48-55
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• 2018

While non-operative treatment with structured rehabilitation tends to be the strategy of choice in the management of Rockwood type III acromioclavicular joint injury, some advocate surgical treatment to prevent persistent pain, disability, and prominence of the distal clavicle. There is no clear consensus regarding when the surgical treatment should be indicated, and successful clinical outcomes have been reported for non-operative treatment in more than 80% of type III acromioclavicular joint injuries. Furthermore, there is no gold standard procedure for operative treatment of type III acromioclavicular joint injury, and more than 60 different procedures have been used for this purpose in clinical practice. Among these surgical techniques, recently introduced arthroscopic-assisted procedures involving a coracoclavicular suspension device are minimally invasive and have been shown to achieve successful coracoclavicular reconstruction in 80% of patients with failed conservative treatment. Taken together, currently available data indicate that successful treatment can be expected with initial conservative treatment in more than 96% of type III acromioclavicular injuries, whereas minimally invasive surgical treatments can be considered for unstable type IIIB injuries, especially in young and active patients. Further studies are needed to clarify the optimal treatment approach in patients with higher functional needs, especially in high-level athletes.

• Proceedings of the Korea Contents Association Conference
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• 2018.05a
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• pp.359-360
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• 2018

본 연구에서는 무릎 보조도구를 착용하지 않은 상태와 착용한 상태에서 앉았다 일어서기 동작 시의 무릎 근육의 활성도 차이를 비교하여, 착용형 무릎 보조도구가 무릎 뼈관절염을 가진 노인들의 하지 근육의 근 활성도에 미치는 영향을 알아보았다. 그 결과, 무릎 보조도구를 착용하지 않은 상태에 비해 보조도구를 착용한 상태에서 안쪽넓은근과 가쪽넓은근의 근 활성도가 통계적으로 유의하게 감소한 것으로 나타났다. 이를 통해, 무릎 보조도구가 앉았다 일어서기 동작 시 하지 근육을 보조하여 근 활성도를 감소시키는 등 무릎의 뼈관절염을 가진 노인들의 일상생활 보조에 유용할 수 있는 가능성을 확인할 수 있었다.