• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.45-53
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• 2013

The purpose of this study was to examine the differentiation of proprioception, invertor and evertor muscle strength, and time to peak torque at a velocity of $300^{\circ}/sec$ of the ankle joint in people with or without functional ankle instability (FAI). Nineteen subjects with a history of ankle sprain participated. All subjects were divided into FAI group ($n_1=9$, Cumberland ankle instability tool (CAIT)${\leq}24$) and a control group ($n_2=10$) based on their CAIT scores. Isokinetic dynamometer was used to measure the sense of active joint position of the ankle at mid-range and end-range of an inversion motion and invertor as well as the evertor muscle strength and time to peak torque at $300^{\circ}/s$. The FAI group showed a statistically reduction in invertor and evertor muscle strength and time to peak torque when compared to the control group (p<.05). Muscle strength and time to peak torque of the invertor and evertor, as well as the sense of active joint position at end-range were also lower in the FAI group than in the control (p<.05). Correlations between CAIT score and position sense at end-range (r=-.577) and invertor muscle strength (r=.554) were statistically significant (p<.05). Individuals with FAI showed reduction in invertor and evertor muscle strength and recruitment time as well as in proprioception of the ankle joint. Thus, proprioception and invertor and evertor muscle strength of the ankle joint at fast angular velocity may be investigated when examining and planning care for individuals with FAI.

• Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.59-65
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• 2007

In this study, six grip spans (45mm-65mm) were tested to evaluate the effects of handle grip span and user's hand size on maximum grip strength, individual finger force, and subjective ratings of comfort using a digital dynamometer with individual force sensors. Forty-six males were assigned into three hand size groups according to their hand lengths. Results showed that overall 55mm and 50mm grip spans were the most comfortable sizes and associated with the highest grip strength in the maximum grip force exertions, whereas 65mm grip span was rated as the least comfortable size as well as the lowest grip strength. In the interaction effect of grip span and hand size, small and middle hand sized participants rated the best preference and the least preference grip spans differently with large hand sized participants. With respect to the analysis of individual finger force, the middle finger force was the strongest and the highest contribution to the total finger force, followed by ring, index and little fingers. In addition, it was noted that each finger had a different optimal grip span for exerting maximum force resulting in a bowed contoured shaped handle for two-handle hand tools. Thus, the grip spans for two-handle hand tools might be designed according to the users' hand and finger anthropometrics to maximize performance and subjective perception of comfort.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.83-93
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• 2022

PURPOSE: This study examined the comparative effects of an ankle sensorimotor training program combined with hip strengthening exercise (ASTPCHSE) and ankle sensorimotor training program (ASTP) alone on muscle strength, static balance, and dynamic balance in individuals with functional ankle instability. METHODS: Sixteen research participants with functional ankle instability were enrolled in this study. The participants were divided randomly into the ankle sensory motor training program group and the ankle sensory motor training program combined with the hip strengthening exercise group. Each group performed a series of exercise programs two times per week for four weeks. The Cumberland ankle instability tool (CAIT) was used to measure the participants' functional ankle instability. A Balance trainer 4 was applied to assess the static and dynamic balance, and a Primus RS multimodal dynamometer was used to evaluate the muscle strength. RESULTS: No significant differences in static balance, dynamic balance, and muscle strength were found between the ASTP and ASTPCHSE groups (p > .05). On the other hand, the dynamic balance and muscle strength improved in the ASTP and ASTPCHSE groups after the intervention (p < .05). The static balance was not enhanced in both groups after the intervention (p > .05). CONCLUSION: Ankle exercise and an ankle sensorimotor training program combined with hip strengthening exercise are effective in improving muscle strength and dynamic balance in individuals with ankle instability. On the other hand, there are no meaningful differences between ankle exercise and ankle and hip combined exercise.